Pune News : Lawyers given exemption from wearing black coats between March 15 to June 30
Pune: Exemption from wearing black coats during court proceedings has been granted to lawyers in all courts and tribunals, excluding the Supreme Court and High Court, between March 15 and June 30. This exemption has been granted every year, as per Chapter 22 of the Civil Manual para no. 636. It is per Bar Council of India rules for lower courts. Whereas, Supreme court & High Court are not exempted.Â
Advocate Radhikesh Uttarwar on the exemption on wearing black coats said, “Basically, Supreme Court and High Court have to follow the Code of Conduct and where the courtrooms are air conditioned so there is less need of this exemption. However, about lower courts, the courtrooms are not air conditioned therefore, to avoid the extreme heat these exemptions are given. “
Advocate Geetanjali Kadate highlighted that the exemption has been in place since the British era, as the heavy coat material causes rashes and skin problems during the harsh Indian summers. “So during peak summer, the exemption is given to lawyers,” she added.
Similarly, Advocate Jayvant Sonawane pointed out that the exemption has been made due to the rising temperatures during this period. “This rule has been mentioned in the law to allow exemption between March and June,” he said.
On the other hand, Advocate Satya Muley stated that the exemption is given in many places where the temperature is high, and that it has been a practice since pre-independence. However, the exemption is not applicable to the Supreme Court or High Court as their courtrooms are air-conditioned.
Apart from the exemption from wearing black coats, the summer vacation taken by the courts has also been a topic of discussion. The courts take a long break during the summer, which raises concerns about pending cases.
Jayvant Sonawane pointed out that the system of taking a vacation in the summer has been in place since the British era. “However, many cases remain pending during this time, and only important cases are being heard. Whereas the civil court has a holiday, and only necessary cases are being heard,” he added.
Adv Satya Muley further stated that it is a myth that court work stops during the summer vacation. “Civil court remains closed, but work on important and urgent cases is ongoing. Meanwhile, the criminal court doesn’t have any leave. So this is a misconception that court work stops during the summer vacation,” he said.
