Over 100 women judicial officers in Kerala have submitted a petition to the High Court registrar for a change in the 53-year-old dress code being followed in the courtrooms. The officers have complained that wearing sari in the present hot and humid climate is very uncomfortable and sought permission to wear churidar.
A panel, consisting of high court judges, which takes decision on dress codes, is likely to look into the submission soon.
As per the existing dress code, which came into force in 1970, women judicial officers shall wear the regional dress (sari) of subdued colour, white stiff or soft collar bands with a Barrister’s or Bachelor of Law’s gown.
The petitioners, however, claim it was an uncomfortable combination as they have to sit in crowded courtrooms for hours.
The officers pointed out the Telangana High Court circular issued in 2021 allowing judicial officers to wear salwar, churidar, long skirt, trousers, along with sari.
Earlier this year, the Delhi High Court had ruled that judicial officers and lawyers should wear white collars as part of the dress code.
