The Allahabad High Court recently comprising of a bench of Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery while reiterating the dress code to be strictly followed by lawyers while appearing before virtual court observed Advocates appearing for court hearings through video conference while driving scooter, lounging on bed, wearing colourful clothes or putting on face pack cannot be accepted. (Smt. Jyoti v. State of Uttar Pradesh)
The bench directed the office bearers of the Bar Associations of the High Court to advise their members, not to adopt any casual approach while appearing before this Court through virtual mode which may cause hurdles in the administration of justice.
The bench remarked that Lawyers are required to wear 'plain white shirt/ white salwar- kameez/ white saree with plain white neck band' while appearing through virtual mode.
Facts of the case
The Bench observed thus after the video link sent to the counsel for a bail applicant remained non-responsive
Court's observation and judgment.
The Court said, "Off late this court, other High Courts, even the Supreme Court had witnessed various incidents, where many advocates adopted very casual approach while appearing through virtual mode and appeared wearing vest, tee shirt or coloured shirt, in puja attire, while driving scooter, while taking a leisurely walk, sitting inside a stationed vehicle, from market places, places with noisy surrounding, places with unpleasant backgrounds, keep talking on phone or not paying attention to the court though video and audio tab remained on, even an advocate appeared lounging on the bed and a lady advocate with face pack on."
He said that advocates should understand that their appearance for hearing of cases through virtual mode from their house or office or chamber is like a extended court room and it is as serious as attending a court proceedings inside a court.
However, many advocates have adopted a casual approach...,which cannot be allowed, the court added.
Lawyers have also been directed to attend virtual hearings from a decent location with presentable background with peaceful surrounding. The court also asked them to be attentive during the proceedings.
Appearance of advocates in casual attire is very inappropriate and unacceptable in any circumstance, the Court emphasised.
The Court, therefore, directed that lawyers are required to wear 'plain white shirt/ white salwar- kameez/ white saree with plain white neck band' while appearing through virtual mode.
It further said that lawyers should address the Court from a premise which has a decent and presentable background with peaceful surrounding and to remain attentive towards the court,
The court added that It would be appreciated if they wear black coat also.
The matter will be next heard on 28th July.
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(With input from news agency language)
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