Global warming is not an apprehension anymore. It is happening!
The world needs adaptive methods to live ‘with’ the new ‘hot is normal’ kind of life.
The black or white saree, the black Barrister’s coat or Bachelor of Law’s gown and the white stiff or soft collar bands- the hope of every petitioner; aspiration of every young law student and the power of justice, the prestige and dignity to the legacy of a successful judicial system of this proud country.
Dress code of Judicial Officers had come into effect on October 1, 1970 specifying that women shall wear regional dress of subdued color, white stiff or soft collar bands with a Barrister’s or Bachelor of Law’s gown, Men shall wear black open-collar coats, white shirts and white stiff or soft collar bands with a Barrister’s or Bachelor of Law’s gown. The female Judges in India are supposed to wear black or white ‘sarees’- the regional dress of this country. 53 years have passed. Now, more than 100 women judges in Kerala seek permission to wear churidars instead of sarees in courts. The petition has also cited a Telangana High Court circular that was issued in 2021 allowing judicial officers to wear salwar, churidar, long skirt, trousers, along with saree. A panel consisting of High Court Judges which takes decision on dress codes, would look into the matter.
The scorching sun has put out one of the hottest summers in this century. The United Nations has warned that 2023-2027 will be the warmest five-year period ever recorded. There have been instructions to common people to avoid black dresses to avoid any health problems associated with the heat, while the Judicial Officers wear black or white sarees and then on top of it Black coats. The courtrooms in India may be overcrowded with lawyers, parties and witnesses and their accompanying people. Also the rooms are not air conditioned; even there is no guarantee that the electric fans be working. Powercuts are common too. The same posture for a long time causes backpain and other orthopaedic problems. But these are in a way an example for occupational disease. When the legal counsel and his party may leave after their case has been addressed or settled, the judicial officers stay at their place wearing all the attires and not even eating or drinking anything. They have cross examinations, arguments to be heard, everything to be written and have to deal with all cases unlike the lawyers. With all the workload, the heat is too tough to handle. When the morning session extend to 1:30 or 2:00 pm, the lunch is also delayed. So the heat would have weakened them. The dedicated work they provide has to be gratefully dealt with. Justice is not only for the common people but also for the judicial officials and legal counsels. The courtrooms are sacred places where many people receive a peaceful fresh life ahead while some are given their deserving. Therefore, if a righteous decision has to be taken, the deciding officers must be in a comfortable sitting.
If global warming is a relevant fact, then every sweat and dehydration are its evidences.
