VC Hearing Appearance: "Advocate Lounging On Bed, Lady With Face Pack On Unacceptable": Allahabad HC Asks Bar Not To Be 'Casual'

The Bench of Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery observed thus on Wednesday while observing that, an advocate, appearing on behalf of one of the parties through VC Mode, appeared wearing a colored shirt and has not shown any remorse despite his conduct was objected.

To this, the Court said:

"Off late this court, other High Courts, even the Supreme Court had witnessed various incidents, where many advocates adopted very casual approach while appearing through virtual mode and appeared wearing vest, tee shirt or coloured shirt, in puja attire, while driving scooter, while taking a leisurely walk, sitting inside a stationed vehicle, from market places, places with noisy surrounding, places with unpleasant backgrounds, keep talking on phone or not paying attention to the court though video and audio tab remained on, even an advocate appeared lounging on the bed and a lady advocate with face pack on."

Further, the Court remarked that the appearance of advocates in casual attire is very inappropriate and unacceptable in any circumstance.

The Court also said that advocates should understand that their appearance for hearing of cases through the virtual mode from their house or office or chamber is like an extended courtroom and it is as serious as attending court proceedings inside a court.

In this context, the Court also took note of the Bar Council's administrative order dated 14.5.2020 which read:

"It is notified (vide Bar Council of India Resolution dated 13.05.2020) for information of all Advocates of the country, that considering the medical advice and also the circular dated 13.05.2020 issued by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, all Advocates may presently wear "Plain White Shirt/White Salwar- Kameez/White Saree With Plain White Neck Band" during hearings/proceedings before all the High Courts and all other Courts, Tribunals, Commissions and all other forums and no coats or Gowns/Robes are/is required to be worn during such time period during which the threat of spread of Corona Virus looms large and/or till such time the Council further issues another Administrative order modifying/ overriding this order".

Further, the Court also said that the Advocates are required to wear 'Plain White Shirt/White Salwar- Kameez/White Saree With Plain White Neck Band' while appearing through the virtual mode from a premise where while addressing the court, they have decent and presentable background with peaceful surrounding and to remain attentive towards the court. It would be appreciated if they wear black coats also.

Lastly, the Court directed the Registrar General of the Court to send a copy of this order to the Bar Association of High Court forthwith.