Black gown to be avoided in Kerala courts; High Court with decision

KOCHI: Kerala state courts have temporarily exempted lawyers from wearing black gowns. The High Court passed a resolution to exempt lawyers in courts from wearing black gowns in view of the scorching heat. Lawyers can appear in district courts wearing white shirts and pants. Black coat and gown is no longer mandatory.

The resolution also states that a black gown is not mandatory for advocates in the High Court. This will continue till May 31. The court passed the resolution after the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association presented an application pointing out the difficulties of reaching the courts wearing a black gown during hot weather.

At the same time, the Indian Meteorological Department has announced caution and yellow alert in 12 districts due to extreme heat in the state. Yellow alert has been announced in the districts except Wayanad and Idukki. The average temperature in both places is 35 degrees.

The state is scorching with intense heat both day and night. The expected summer rain was not received this time. Temperatures were recorded above 35 degrees in all 14 districts. There is a warning that it will be hotter in the coming days, including in Palakkad district.