Odisha HC fines Advocate without neck band in virtual court

Cuttack: An Advocate was fined Rs 500 for not wearing a neck band while appearing in a virtual court in Odisha.

The Orissa High Court directed the Advocate on February 15, 2021, to deposit the fined amount with the Welfare Fund of High Court Bar Association and produce the receipt before the court during next hearing.

The matter will be heard again in the HC on February 22, 2021.

Orissa HC Judge Justice SK Panigrahi stated in the order, “Every profession has certain dress code and people belong to particular profession are recognized by their attires. The lawyers’ dress code is governed by the rules prescribed under the Advocates Act, 1961, making it mandatory for lawyers to wear black robe or coat with white shirt and white neck band. The Rule framed under Section 49(1)(gg) of the Advocates Act, 1961 prescribes the dress code for Advocates irrespective of designated Senior Advocates or other Advocates.”

However, during COVID-19 outbreak, while following the video conferencing mode, the Supreme Court has directed the Advocates that they may wear plain white shirt/salwar kameej, plain saree with white neck band since they were appearing through virtual court.

“The profession is solemn in nature and its profundity is complemented by its attire. Being an Advocate, he is expected to appear before the Court in a dignified manner with proper dress, even if it is a virtual mode,” the order said.