53-Year-Old Uniform Of Kerala Women Judicial Officers Undergoes New Changes

The uniform that had been mandated under the Circular 22/1970 which had hitherto been followed by the judicial officers in the State, is as follows: “Judicial officers, both civil and criminal (except special magistrates) shall, while presiding on the Bench, wear the following dress:

Men Officers:-

Black open collar coat, white shirt, white stiff or soft collar and bands with Barrister’s or Bachelor of Law’s gown as the case may be.

Women Officers:-

Regional dress of subdued colour, white stiff or soft collar and bands with Barrister’s or Bachelor of Law’s gown as the case may be.”

The women judicial officers had submitted a representation to the Registrar seeking to bring changes to the present outfit of the women judicial officers. They had expressed their difficulties in wearing saree in court halls. They submitted that it was uncomfortable and distressing to wear saree for long hours, especially due to the hot and humid climate. They thus sought to wear churidhars instead of saree.

The said representation was considered by a committee of judges and their report was submitted before the Administrative Committee. This was discussed by the judges during the Full Court. 

The High Court has thus cleared their request, vide its Circular dated October 7, 2023, and the following changes have been brought in the uniform to be adorned by the officers:

1.  White colour saree with black collar blouse with full/half sleeves, and stiff/soft bands and collars with black gown, as required as worn at present; 
2. White salwar (full/half sleeves), with high neck/collar, white or black kameez of modest fit, and covering ankle, with black full sleeved coat/black vest, with soft/stiff collar and bands and gown, as required;
3. White full sleeved high neck blouse/shirt with collar, along with modest full ankle length trousers/skirts, in black with stiff/soft collar and bands, and gowns, as required". 

There is no change in the uniform of male officers.

The circular further specifically states that all other colours, apart from white and black shall be avoided by the women officers.