Rohini Court Bar Association Enforces Strict Dress Code: Black Pants, White Shirt Exclusively for Lawyers to Combat Touting and Enhance Security
New Delhi, July 20, 2025 – In a decisive move to bolster security, uphold the dignity of the legal profession, and combat the persistent issue of touting, the Rohini Court Bar Association has issued a stringent notice prohibiting anyone other than registered lawyers or advocates from wearing black trousers and white shirts within the court complex. The directive, issued on July 15, comes as a direct response to a surge in complaints regarding unauthorized individuals posing as legal professionals to defraud unsuspecting litigants.
The Bar Association’s notice explicitly states that the “black pants, white shirt” attire is “strictly reserved for lawyers or advocates as a mark of professional identity and dignity of the legal fraternity.” This clear demarcation aims to eliminate any ambiguity regarding who is, and who is not, a legitimate legal practitioner within the court premises.
Addressing a Persistent Problem: Touting and Impersonation
The decision to enforce this dress code stems from a growing concern over touts and unscrupulous individuals who exploit the trust of uneducated litigants. These imposters, often dressed in attire similar to lawyers, mislead and defraud clients under false pretenses. The Bar Association’s earlier notice, issued a day prior to the dress code announcement, highlighted the increasing number of such complaints.
“These individuals are misleading and defrauding uneducated litigants under false pretences,” the notice stated, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. By reserving the professional attire exclusively for lawyers, the association hopes to make it easier for the public and court staff to identify genuine legal representatives and deter those attempting to impersonate them.
Enhancing Security in the Court Complex
Beyond the issue of touting, the new dress code is also a crucial measure to enhance the overall security of the Rohini court complex. The tragic incident on September 24, 2021, serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities that can arise from lax security. In that shocking event, two men, disguised as lawyers, opened fire outside a courtroom in the Rohini court complex, resulting in the fatal shooting of gangster Jitender Maan alias Gogi.
Such incidents underscore the critical need for robust identification measures and controlled access. By standardizing the professional appearance of lawyers, security personnel can more easily identify individuals who do not conform to the established norms, potentially flagging suspicious activity and improving overall surveillance.
Mandating ID Cards for Clerks
In conjunction with the dress code for lawyers, the Rohini Court Bar Association has also mandated the use of ID cards for clerks. This move further strengthens the identification process for individuals who frequently operate within the court complex but are not lawyers. By clearly distinguishing clerks from advocates through both attire and official identification, the association aims to create a more secure and transparent environment for all stakeholders.
A Step Towards Professionalism and Order
The Rohini Court Bar Association’s latest directive represents a firm commitment to maintaining the integrity and sanctity of the judicial process. By curbing impersonation and enhancing security through a clear dress code and mandatory identification for support staff, the association is taking proactive steps to protect litigants, uphold the dignity of the legal profession, and ensure the smooth functioning of justice delivery. While it may require an adjustment period for visitors and clerks, the long-term benefits of a more secure and professionally identifiable court environment are expected to far outweigh any initial inconveniences.