On 29 May 2026, Senior Advocate Brijesh Kumar Shukla submitted a representation before the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court seeking relaxation in the prescribed dress code for advocates during the peak summer months. He pointed to the “exceptionally severe and continuing heat conditions prevailing across the State of Uttar Pradesh” and sought dispensation of the requirement of wearing gowns by advocates in the Allahabad High Court.
The Senior Advocate stated that this season has brought unusually high temperatures, accompanied by intense humidity and persistent heatwave conditions. He stated that wearing gowns in such conditions was causing “considerable physical discomfort, fatigue, dehydration and heat-related health concerns” for lawyers.
While acknowledging that the courtrooms are air-conditioned, he highlighted that a substantial part of an advocate’s working hours is spent outside the courtrooms. According to him, advocates are required to move continuously around the court premises through corridors, waiting areas, filing sections, registry offices and other administrative areas, where the heat becomes unbearable during peak afternoon hours.
The Senior Advocate clarified that the issue concerns not merely inconvenience, but also the health, well-being and working efficiency of lawyers. He stated that prolonged exposure to excessive heat may lead to various heat-related health issues, especially while wearing heavy and dark-coloured formal attire. He relied upon various news reports and statements issued by the authorities concerned regarding increasing instances of heatstroke and other heat-related ailments. He also stated that the government had acknowledged the seriousness of the prevailing heatwave conditions and had issued advisories in that regard.
The Senior Advocate attached notifications and orders issued by various High Courts, including the Delhi High Court, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and the Calcutta High Court, which had already granted similar relaxations in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
He urged the Chief Justice to consider the request notwithstanding the fact that it was being made towards the end of May, as the prevailing weather conditions were expected to continue in the coming weeks.
