CJ against black coat, gown in summer

Chief Justice SK Sinha says it is high time that lawyers stopped wearing black coat and gown in courtroom during summer. SK Sinha, at a programme in Dhaka on Saturday, noted that court sessions were often hit by power cut. “Though judges use small fans to get relief from the heat, lawyers suffer a lot. This is unbearable,” he said. Justice Sinha continued: “The time has come to give up black gown during summer.” Civil Rules and Orders, and Bar Council Order specify dress code for the lawyers. Lawyers are not allowed to take part in court sessions if they are not wearing specific dress. At present, lawyers need to don a black coat and a black gown over a white shirt. Justice Sinha said the dress code came from the British. “They have changed it (dress code),” the chief justice said. “Our lawyers should demand a change. They have my support.” Dhaka lawyers’ association chief Masud Ahmed Talukder supported Justice Sinha’s view. “We should take initiative to bring about a change,” he said, according to bdnews24.com.
- biplab