New Delhi: Asserting that the court is duty-bound to restore the dignity of the profession, the Orissa High Court has imposed Rs 500 penalty on a lawyer who was not wearing a neckband at the time of argument.
A bench of Justice SK Panigrahi asked the advocate to deposit Rs 500 as the cost with the Welfare Fund of High Court Bar Association and observed that being an advocate, the counsel is expected to appear before the court in a dignified manner with a proper dress, even if it is a virtual hearing.
Justice Panigrahi said that every profession has a certain dress code and people belonging to a particular profession are recognised by their attires.
“The lawyers’ dress code is governed by the rules prescribed under the Advocates Act, 1961, making it mandatory for lawyers to wear a black robe or coat with a white shirt and white neckband. The Rule framed under Section 49(1)(gg) of the Advocates Act, 1961 prescribes the dress code for Advocates irrespective of designated Senior Advocates or other Advocates,” Justice Panigrahi said.
Notably, during the Covid-19 outbreak, while following the videoconferencing mode, the Supreme Court has directed the advocates that they may wear a plain white shirt, plain saree with white neckband since they were appearing through the virtual court.
Justice Panigrahi said that some high courts across the country also welcomed the change of new dress code for lawyers to appear through the virtual court. The court said that such changes were allowed because of medical exigencies, especially during a pandemic.
“However, the etiquette, courtier and attire are subtle indicators of erudition and professionalism, especially, for lawyers and this strongly influences people’s perception of the profession. The profession is solemn in nature, and its attire complements its profundity,” the HC observed.