Delhi High Court Reinstates Mandatory Gown Rule for Advocates, Superseding Earlier Exemption

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has formally reinstated the mandatory requirement for advocates to wear gowns when appearing before the court and its subordinate benches. The directive, which reverses an earlier relaxation, is set to take effect from October 27, 2025, signaling a return to traditional courtroom decorum.

In a notice dated October 10, 2025, the High Court's Registrar General, Arun Bhardwaj, announced the decision, which has been communicated to all members of the bar. The new order explicitly supersedes a previous notice from February of the same year that had provided an exemption from this rule.

"In supersession of this Court's notice No.543/G-11/Genl.-II/DHC/2025 dated 20-02-2025, it is notified that the Advocates appearing before this Court are required to wear Gowns with effect from 27th October, 2025 (Monday), till further orders," the official notice states.

To ensure widespread awareness, the High Court administration has directed that the notice be prominently displayed on the first page of the daily cause list for three consecutive days and uploaded to the court's official website. This move underscores the administration's intent for the rule to be universally observed.

The History and Symbolism of Legal Attire

The requirement for advocates to wear a specific dress code, including the black gown, is rooted in centuries of legal tradition inherited from the British judicial system. The attire is prescribed under the Rules framed by the Bar Council of India under Section 49(1)(gg) of the Advocates Act, 1961. The code is not merely ceremonial; it is intended to instill a sense of discipline, uniformity, and gravity within the legal profession.

The black coat and gown are meant to signify a degree of anonymity, shifting the focus from the individual lawyer to the arguments they present. This uniform is seen as a visual representation of the law's authority and the seriousness of judicial proceedings. Proponents argue that the formal dress code upholds the dignity of the court, fosters respect for the judicial process, and creates a disciplined atmosphere conducive to the administration of justice.

Context of Previous Relaxations

The decision to make gowns mandatory again comes after a period of relaxation. High Courts across India, including in Delhi, have periodically suspended the mandatory gown rule, often in response to practical considerations such as extreme weather conditions. During peak summer months, the heavy black gowns can cause significant discomfort, leading bar associations to request and courts to grant temporary exemptions.

The now-superseded notice from February 20, 2025, was one such instance of this flexibility. However, the latest directive indicates a decisive move by the High Court administration to restore the formal dress code as a default standard, revoking the previous exemption "till further orders." This suggests the rule will remain in place indefinitely, regardless of seasonal changes, unless a new notice is issued.

Impact on the Legal Community and Courtroom Practice

The reinstatement of the gown rule has elicited a range of reactions from the legal fraternity in Delhi. While many senior advocates have welcomed the move as a necessary step to restore the sanctity and discipline of courtroom proceedings, others, particularly younger lawyers, have raised concerns about the practical and financial implications.

• Upholding Decorum: Supporters of the mandate argue that a uniform dress code is crucial for maintaining the distinction between the bar and the public, reinforcing the professional identity of lawyers. They believe that a lax dress code can lead to a casual approach to legal practice, potentially eroding the solemnity of the judicial environment.
• Practical Concerns: Critics point to the physical discomfort of wearing heavy gowns, especially in a non-air-conditioned courtroom during Delhi's harsh summers. There are also financial considerations, as gowns represent an additional expense for junior advocates and those beginning their careers.
• The Modernization Debate: The issue is part of a broader, ongoing debate within the legal profession about balancing tradition with modernity. Some legal professionals advocate for a more contemporary and practical dress code that aligns with modern workplace standards, while others staunchly defend the traditional attire as a cornerstone of the profession's heritage and identity.

A National Perspective

The debate over legal attire is not unique to Delhi. Various High Courts and the Supreme Court have grappled with this issue. In 2020, during the initial shift to virtual hearings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court relaxed the dress code, allowing advocates to appear in a plain white shirt and band without the traditional coat and gown. This practical adaptation sparked further conversation about whether the formal attire was truly essential for the administration of justice in the 21st century.

As physical hearings resumed, most courts, including the Delhi High Court, reverted to the pre-pandemic dress code. The October 10 notice solidifies this return to tradition, ending any ambiguity that may have resulted from the February exemption.

The decision by the Delhi High Court is a significant reaffirmation of the importance of traditional decorum in the judicial process. While the practical challenges remain a point of discussion, the court's administration has clearly prioritized uniformity and the symbolic dignity of the legal profession. As of October 27, 2025, the sight of advocates robed in their black gowns will once again be the standard, reinforcing the visual authority and gravitas of the proceedings within one of India's most prominent high courts.