‘Is This Some Fashion Parade?’: CJI DY Chandrachud Chides Lawyer For Turning Up To Courtroom Without Neckband

"Send an email. But where is your band? Is this some fashion parade going on?" CJI asked, as reported by Bar and Bench. When the advocate said he was "in a rush", the CJI replied sternly and said, "Sorry, cannot hear if you are not in proper attire."

The Bar Council of India rules lay down the dress code for advocates appearing in court. "Advocates appearing in the Supreme Court, High Courts, Subordinate Courts, Tribunals or Authorities shall wear the following as part of their dress, which shall be sober and dignified."

"1. ADVOCATES: A black buttoned up coat, chapkan, achkan, black sherwani and white bands with Advocates' Gowns. (b) A black open breast coat. white shirt, white collar, stiff or soft, and white bands with Advocates' Gowns. In either case wear long trousers (white, black striped or grey) Dhoti excluding jeans. Provided further that in courts other than the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, Sessions Courts or City Civil Courts, a black tie may be worn instead of bands," it says.

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The rules also lay down a dress code for women advocates: (a) Black full sleeve jacket or blouse, white collar stiff or soft, with white bands and Advocates' Gowns. White blouse, with or without collar, with white bands and with a black open breast coat. Or (b) sarees or long skirts (white or black or any mellow or subdued colour without any print or design) or flare (white, black or black stripped or grey) or Punjabi dress Churidar Kurta or Salwar-Kurta with or without dupatta (white or black) or traditional dress with black coat and bands.

Earlier this year, in an unusual display of dissatisfaction, the CJI issued a stern warning to a lawyer amid a heated discussion on the scheduling of a petition. Justice Chandrachud rebuked the advocate for his manner and cautioned against any attempts to intimidate the court.

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The Chief Justice, visibly irritated, intervened in the heated debate, demanding a more respectful and composed approach from the lawyer. "One second, lower your voice. You're arguing before the first court of the Supreme Court of India; lower your pitch, otherwise, I will have you removed from the Court," the CJI rebuked.

CJI further questioned the manners of the advocate by asking him about his places of appearance, "Where do you normally appear? Is this the way you shout at judges every time?"