Women lawyers defy dress code

GHAZIABAD: A resolution passed by the local bar association''s executive committee barring women lawyers from wearing jeans and shirts in the court''s compound has met with sharp criticism, with several of the 150-odd women lawyers here refusing to comply with it.
"What we wear inside our chambers is an issue between our clients and us. Women in the Supreme Court and high courts even enter court rooms wearing jeans and trousers.The emphasis in the Advocates Act framed 42 years back is on sobriety and dignity," said a woman lawyer.
"If any dress code has to be imposed, the Bar Council of India will do so. A dozen members of the local executive committee cannot decide what we wear," said advocate Anjana Sharma. "The resolution is sexist. Why is it that male lawyers wearing safari suits or dhotis are not stopped?" said advocate Noor Jehan.
"Nobody can object to women lawyers in formal black trousers in any court, even though the Advocate Act of 1961 does not mention trousers for women lawyers," Supreme Court advocate Indira Jaisingh.
Bar association secretary Pramod Sharma, however, defends the decision. "Even while sitting in his or her own chamber, a lawyer should look dignified. Jeans and tight trousers are not dignified," Sharma said.
Refuting this argument, lawyer Veena Sharma said, "Women in the police and armed forces wear trousers. What''s wrong with that?"
"That is part of their dress code," said Sharma. "The Advocates Act does not include jeans or trousers as a woman lawyer''s uniform."
Defending the decision, the executive committee''s only female member, Suman Sharma, said: "The court compound has its own dignity. Jeans and tops do not go with that dignity."