The Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association has taken a firm stance by prohibiting non-lawyers from wearing the traditional legal attire of a white shirt and black coat within the court premises. The decision reflects a deep concern over preserving the dignity and decorum of the profession, ensuring that the court environment remains exclusive to legally qualified practitioners. By restricting this attire to practicing lawyers, the Bar Association aims to prevent any misuse or impersonation of legal professionals and maintain a clear distinction between advocates and laypersons.
This regulation emerges from growing instances in which non-lawyers adopted the formal legal dress code to gain unearned access and legitimacy in court circles. The Bar Association expressed that such acts not only jeopardize the integrity of legal proceedings but also undermine public confidence in the justice system. In enforcing this ban, they emphasized that legal attire carries both symbolism and responsibility, and those who wish to present themselves as part of the profession must first qualify through examination and enrollment.
To implement the rule effectively, court staff and officials have been instructed to monitor compliance at entry points and gently enforce the prohibition. The Association reiterated that its intention is not to intimidate or exclude genuine participants in court processes but to safeguard the sanctity of legal advocacy. This move reaffirms a long-held belief that professional attire is not merely formality but a marker of legal authority conferred only upon duly enrolled advocates.
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