Petitioner Advocate Shailendra  Tripathi recently argued in the Supreme court that the dress code of black robes or coats, or blazers  with long ceremonial gowns of advocates, was a colonial legacy and should be done away with considering that  the Indian climate  is  oppressive  in summer  in Northern and coastal parts of the country.    In 2022, Advocate Shailendra Tripathi had withdrawn a similar plea that he made before the apex court who had then  directed  him to  approach the Bar Council of India (BCI)  with his grievance  failing which he could reapproach the Supreme Court if no action is forthcoming from them.

Hearing  Advocate Shailendra Tripathi in a petition for the second time the Supreme court bench of Chief Justice of India,  Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra stated that, "gowns are already exempted. You cannot argue in Kurta- pyjama  or shorts and t-shirts also.  There has to be some decorum also’’.  On being asked about what he thinks should be an ideal dress for lawyers, Advocate Tripathi stated that  either the black coat and gown should be exempted,  or some other color should be allowed.  The petitioner further contended in his arguments that such a dress code was not only an impediment causing discomfort but is an additional financial burden on lawyers whose clothes need to dry-cleaned and washed. 

Some reprieve came his way when the Supreme court acknowledging his grievance regarding stifling temperatures in India  directed him to make a representation to the BCI and the Centre.