Kerala Women Alter Court Attire Standards!

10 Oct 2023

Kerala Women Alter Court Attire Standards!

A significant transformation has unfolded in the legal landscape of Kerala. Kerala women judges have now been empowered with the freedom to step beyond the confines of the traditional saree and blouse attire.

This progressive shift came to life when the Kerala High Court, in a commendable move, acceded to the request of these esteemed women, signaling a new dawn of inclusivity and consideration.

Listen to the news summary

A New Dawn
Breaking Tradition
In Kerala, something exciting has happened. Women judges have broken free from old rules about what they can wear. Gone are the days when they had to wear only sarees and blouses in court. The Kerala High Court listened and agreed to make a change.

Now, these judges can wear long skirts, churidars, full-sleeve shirts, and pants. It’s a big step forward, especially for Kerala women.
The Restructured Dress Code
Yet, there’s a mix of old and new in this change. The women judges will wear modern clothes but in traditional black and white. This blend ensures respect for the court’s formal setting. Wearing these colours, Kerala women continue to show the importance of their roles. They are modern, yet they hold on to the essence of formality, striking a balance.
Addressing Comfort and Well-being
Comfort in the courtroom is vital. For a long time, Kerala women judges faced the summer heat in sarees. It was uncomfortable, and many voiced their concerns. They spoke about the heat, the discomfort, and how it affected their health. The High Court heard them.

Now, with the new dress code, these judges can be comfortable and focus on their important work, ensuring justice is served with full attention and dedication.

The Process of Change
Collective Voices
A group of brave Kerala women judges reached out to the Registry, sharing their difficulties caused by the traditional dress code. They wrote about the discomfort of wearing sarees during the intense heat and humidity of the Kerala summers. Health issues were a growing concern, and these women believed it was high time for a change.

In their letter, they painted a vivid picture of the stuffy courtrooms, the scorching heat, and the frequent power cuts. All these factors combined, wearing a saree became an ordeal. The Kerala women judges were not just seeking comfort; they were advocating for a working environment that took their well-being into account.

They wanted attire that was both respectful of the court’s decorum and considerate of the region's climate. It was a plea for dignity, comfort, and equality. Every word written and every concern raised was a step towards paving the way for a much-needed transformation.
The Decision Making
In response to the concerns raised, the High Court didn't turn a deaf ear. Instead, they assembled a committee of seasoned judges to delve into the issues shared by the Kerala women. Every point was considered, and every voice was valued. The objective was clear – to reach a resolution that was fair and empathetic.

The committee was meticulous in their approach. They analyzed the concerns carefully, taking into account the practicality, dignity, and tradition associated with the court's attire. At each meeting and during every discussion, their commitment to ensuring that the Kerala women judges felt heard and respected was evident.

Finally, their findings were presented to the Administrative Committee. During the full court meeting, every judge listened attentively, engaged in debate, and carefully considered the proposal. It wasn't just about changing a dress code; it was about fostering an environment of respect, consideration, and equality for every member of the judicial system.
Announcement of Modification
The moment of change arrived when Kerala Chief Justice A.J. Desai stood before the Judicial Officers Association on October 8. With authority and grace, he announced the modification in the dress code. It was a moment of victory, not just for the Kerala women j

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This progressive shift came to life when the Kerala High Court, in a commendable move, acceded to the request of these esteemed women, signaling a new dawn of inclusivity and consideration.

Listen to the news summary

A New Dawn

Breaking Tradition

In Kerala, something exciting has happened. Women judges have broken free from old rules about what they can wear. Gone are the days when they had to wear only sarees and blouses in court. The Kerala High Court listened and agreed to make a change.

Now, these judges can wear long skirts, churidars, full-sleeve shirts, and pants. It’s a big step forward, especially for Kerala women.

The Restructured Dress Code

Yet, there’s a mix of old and new in this change. The women judges will wear modern clothes but in traditional black and white. This blend ensures respect for the court’s formal setting. Wearing these colours, Kerala women continue to show the importance of their roles. They are modern, yet they hold on to the essence of formality, striking a balance.

Addressing Comfort and Well-being

Comfort in the courtroom is vital. For a long time, Kerala women judges faced the summer heat in sarees. It was uncomfortable, and many voiced their concerns. They spoke about the heat, the discomfort, and how it affected their health. The High Court heard them.

Now, with the new dress code, these judges can be comfortable and focus on their important work, ensuring justice is served with full attention and dedication.

The Process of Change

Collective Voices

A group of brave Kerala women judges reached out to the Registry, sharing their difficulties caused by the traditional dress code. They wrote about the discomfort of wearing sarees during the intense heat and humidity of the Kerala summers. Health issues were a growing concern, and these women believed it was high time for a change.

They wanted attire that was both respectful of the court’s decorum and considerate of the region’s climate. It was a plea for dignity, comfort, and equality. Every word written and every concern raised was a step towards paving the way for a much-needed transformation.

The Decision Making

In response to the concerns raised, the High Court didn’t turn a deaf ear. Instead, they assembled a committee of seasoned judges to delve into the issues shared by the Kerala women. Every point was considered, and every voice was valued. The objective was clear – to reach a resolution that was fair and empathetic.

The committee was meticulous in their approach. They analyzed the concerns carefully, taking into account the practicality, dignity, and tradition associated with the court’s attire. At each meeting and during every discussion, their commitment to ensuring that the Kerala women judges felt heard and respected was evident.

Announcement of Modification

The moment of change arrived when Kerala Chief Justice A.J. Desai stood before the Judicial Officers Association on October 8. With authority and grace, he announced the modification in the dress code. It was a moment of victory, not just for the Kerala women judges but for the entire judicial system.

The new dress code was a blend of tradition and modernity. It upheld the court’s decorum while prioritizing the comfort and well-being of the judges. The black and white color code remained, ensuring uniformity and formality.

Dignity Through Change

The announcement was received with a mix of relief and appreciation. It showcased the system’s ability to adapt and evolve, ensuring that every judge, especially the Kerala women, could execute their duties with dignity, comfort, and respect. The change was more than a shift in attire – it was a stride towards a more inclusive and empathetic judicial environment.

Unfolding Horizons

A Step Towards Equality

The change in dress code is a big win for Kerala women judges. They can now embrace modern and comfortable attire while performing their duties. However, it’s important to remember that there’s more work to do to achieve complete equality. Male judges still follow the old dress code. The differences between the two raise questions and spark discussions about fairness and equal treatment in the judiciary.

The change for Kerala women is celebrated, but it also highlights the need for a broader conversation. How can we ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender, is treated with equal respect and consideration? These questions are vital as we continue to strive for a judiciary that is not only just in its rulings but also in its treatment of every member.

The Colour Conundrum

Kerala women judges have new choices in attire, but the colours are still limited. Black and white are the only options available to them. While these colours maintain a formal appearance, the restriction prompts us to think. Can formality and individual expression coexist in judicial attire? It’s a question worth exploring.

The uniformity in colour means that while the attire has modernized, a sense of individual expression is still somewhat restrained. For the Kerala women, this change is significant yet tinged with a reminder of the constraints that still exist. Every step forward invites us to reflect on the journey that lies ahead and the milestones yet to be achieved.

Looking Ahead

As the Kerala women step into courtrooms adorned in their new attire, there’s a palpable sense of change. Their comfort and well-being are now recognized and valued. But this is only the beginning. There’s an air of anticipation for what the future might hold – a future where every judge is afforded the same respect, comfort, and equality.

The journey doesn’t end with this change in attire for the Kerala women. It is a significant step, yes, but also a reminder of the path yet to be travelled. With each stride, we envision a judiciary where each individual, regardless of gender, can serve with dignity and grace. In this evolving landscape, the hope for a future brimming with inclusivity and equality burns bright.