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No.96/Rules/DHC                                                                        Dated- 02.06.2023

 Introduction

The High Court of Delhi has changed the Rule governing the dress code for district court judicial personnel and practicing attorneys. As directed by Hon’ble the Chief Justice and his companion Judges and in partial supersession of the earlier Circular bearing No. II/Rules/OHC dated 07.08.2009. “The Presiding Officer’s attire should be appropriate for the respect of his office.” Shorts and short-sleeved shirts are inappropriate for Presiding Officers of a Court, according to a circular issued by the High Court.

The entire bench of the Delhi High bench has ruled that all masculine judicial officials shall wear a white shirt and white band, a black coat, and grey or white pants, in place of Rule 30 of the Canons of Judicial Ethics High Court Rules & Orders (VolIV).

Courts Analysis and Decision

All female judicial officers must wear: Full/half sleeved white/black blouse/shirt Sarees in white, black, or a mix of the two, (white/black/grey) pants/salwar churidar/long skirt. A circular issued on June 02 declares that the wear of the advocates will be identical as provided by the Bar Council of India Rules Rule 30 in its original form, which provided various types of attire for subservient magistrates judges district and sessions judges, lady justices and others as well.

As authorized by the Chief Justice and his colleagues, and in partial supersession of the previous Circular bearing No. II/Rules/OHC dated 07.08.2009, current Rule 30 of the “Canons of Judicial Ethics High Court Rules & Orders (Vol IV)” should be replaced with a new Rule 30. Justice Prathiba M Singh stated earlier this year that advocates appearing before any court, from municipal civil courts to the Supreme Court, would be compelled to don white bands in addition to a uniform. Interns may enter court premises wearing black ties, black trousers, and white shirts, as required by the Delhi Bar Council, she added.

Justice Singh had been hearing a petition filed by a second-year law student contesting a circular issued by the Shahdara Bar Association requiring interns working at the Karkardooma Courts to wear white shirts and blue jackets and pants.

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Written by- Anushka Satwani