Acting chief justice of Calcutta High Court T S Sivagnanam on Wednesday said in view of the weather conditions, lawyers would not have to wear black gowns in courts till June 2023, when the HC reopens after summer vacation.
The acting CJ's order came after representations of several advocates and senior advocates, praying to be exempted from wearing the gowns amid the prevalent heat waves.
On Monday, Paritosh Sinha, secretary of Incorporated Law Society, wrote to the acting CJ, asking for the exemption. Sinha wrote the heat and humidity were causing immense hardship to lawyers. He wrote, "We find ourselves struggling to cope with the heat and humidity while wearing the traditional black robes/gowns and coat that are mandatory in the courtrooms."
According to lawyers, there is a practice in Delhi High Court and Rajasthan High Court among others, where summers are intense, lawyers and advocates are exempted from wearing the robes and gowns in the summer.
The notification issued by the HC registrar-general on Wednesday said the acting CJ has directed, "Taking note of the weather conditions, wearing advocates' gown is exempted till the court reopens after summer vacation in June 2023."
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