In a bid to prevent misidentification and maintain courtroom decorum, the Gurugram District Bar Association has barred non-lawyers from wearing attire resembling the official dress code of advocates within the court premises. Violators will face a fine of ₹5,000 and potential further action.
The Bar Association passed a resolution on June 5, restricting the use of black trousers and white shirts—typically worn by advocates—only to enrolled lawyers and officially registered law interns. The move comes in response to growing concerns over unauthorized individuals entering the court complex dressed like lawyers, leading to confusion and disruptions.
The resolution noted that “several persons who are neither enrolled advocates nor recognized legal trainees are often seen wearing professional attire prescribed for advocates,” which results in misidentification, confusion, and at times, a breach of court decorum.
To enforce the dress code, the Association will coordinate with court administration and security staff. The resolution clearly states that clerks, touts, litigants, and members of the general public will not be permitted to wear white shirts and black pants or similar clothing that resembles an advocate’s uniform. Non-compliance will attract a penalty of ₹5,000 and further disciplinary measures if required.
Bar Association Secretary Rahul Dhankhar said the move aims to curb fraudulent activities by middlemen posing as lawyers. “On Monday, several alleged touts wearing surgical coats were warned. Earlier this week, two individuals even entered courtrooms posing as advocates. We’ve been receiving such complaints regularly,” he said. “Our objective is to ensure litigants are not misled or defrauded.”
The Bar emphasized that this measure is essential to uphold the identity, dignity, and discipline of the legal profession and to prevent misuse of the trust and privileges associated with the advocate’s uniform.
