Men in Black like to Bask in Glow

An advocates’ robe — for some it is a symbol of authority, and for others it is an archaic colonial hangover. Despite a clarification from the Bar Council of India, that lawyers need not wear the long black gown or coat while arguing their cases before the sub-ordinate courts, most of the members of the legal fraternity tend to sport the black coat, though they have given away the gown.

Stalin, a young lawyer practising in Chennai, says, “We are aware that the Bar Council permits us not to wear the gown and coat while appearing before the lower courts, but we stick to wearing coats to distinguish us from others in a court hall.”  For Saravanan, who has just entered the profession, the black coat gives him confidence, autonomy and a sense of independence.

Though sporting a black coat in sweltering weather exacerbates the effects of the clammy climate, lawyers claim the coat gives a sense of achievement to the wearer. “We are recognised by the black coat, it is a status symbol for me. I belong to a tiny village in Perambalur district, which is under-developed compared to cities like Chennai. It was a dream for me to wear the black coat and that was the reason I chose this profession,” said T Arunkumar, who has been practising in the Madras High Court and sub-courts in Chennai for over eight years. But for people like P Babu, it is completely unacceptable that the practice is still in existence.

“It was a custom started by the British.  They did so because it was a fashion during that era and it suited their local climatic conditions. But I find no reason for us to continue this practice given the tropical climate of our country,” he said.

The sartorial protocol, in a way, helps us to establish authority over our clients and other people on account of our knowledge of laws, says Kamaraj, who practices criminal law and is an active member of a political party.

But for common people like S Prabhu, the black robe gives them a feel of intimidation. “I have visited some lawyers to settle a property dispute. The black coat and gown makes me feel that they are in some way superior to me and often I end up just listening to them, unable to insist on my opinion,” said Prabhu.

Another litigant, Raymond differs  saying that the dress code makes them look professional and it gives confidence to lawyers’ clients.