Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu, has issued a directive prohibiting clerks, litigants, and members of the general public from wearing the traditional black coat, white shirt, and black trousers — attire officially reserved for advocates — within the court complex.
The directive, dated July 19, 2025, strictly prohibits individuals other than practicing lawyers from wearing a white shirt, black trousers, and a black coat while inside the court premises.
The association emphasized that this dress code is an exclusive professional identity reserved for practicing lawyers and advocates, symbolizing the decorum and dignity of the legal community. “No clerk, litigant, or member of the public is permitted to wear a white shirt, black trousers, and black coat inside the Court Complex. Violators will be treated as touts, and legal action — including formal complaints — will be initiated,” the notice read.
The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) stressed that the black-and-white dress code is a distinct symbol of the legal profession and should not be imitated by unauthorized individuals, as it undermines the sanctity and identity of practicing advocates.
According to the notice signed by Anshu Mahajan, joint secretary of the HCBA, any person found breaching this attire code will be treated as a tout. Appropriate legal action will follow, including the filing of formal complaints.
The HCBA has also directed practicing advocates to ensure that interns under their guidance wear a black necktie as part of their designated dress code and strictly avoid black coats until they are officially enrolled as advocates.
