There are some things in the world that strongly connect with some other aspects of life and living. One such thing is the conspicuous “Black Robes for Advocates”. Indeed, the dress code for advocates, lawyers, and judges across the world is a combination of “Black & White”, except for some. This ubiquitous Black color has two distinct connotations, one positive and the other negative.
Going back in times, during the medieval age, the judges wore two different colors according to the season. These were green in summer and violet in winter. However, the summer robes gradually vanished, making way for black and violet robes. Historically, black robes date back over centuries to the age of Edward III in circa 1327. During that time, the legal system included the Judges, sergeants, students, benchers, pleaders, and Barristers. At that time, while the Sergeants practiced from St. Paul’s and wore the coiffure wig on their heads, the Judges wore the traditional English Judicial costumes. In fact, the costumes of the English Judiciary is known to be in existence for over six centuries. In the year 1340, the legal profession in England was divided and though the public opposed the length of the robes, yet the Lawyers decided against the public and went ahead with long robes.
As it was quite obvious, the Indian legal system was greatly influenced by the British and hence it was no surprise that it made it compulsory for all the lawyers to wear a Blackcoat or Robe along the side of a white neckband on top of it in the year 1961 through the Advocates Act. As per Section (49) (gg) of this Act, advocates are required to wear a black robe irrespective of their seniority.
Talking about its relevance, the Black robe has a lot of significance in the legal field. For one, it is an epitome of discipline and renders a sense of seriousness to the identity of Advocates. Furthermore, the white neckband also has a big significance. It has two strips of white cloth joined to make one band that signifies ‘Tablets of Stone’ or ‘Tablets of the Laws’. These tablets also carry important meaning. They are known to have been used by Moses who received them on Mt. Sinai from a burning bush and inscribed the Ten Commandments on them. They are also known to represent the upholding of the laws of God as well as men.
As we all know, the Indian legal system has a great influence on the British since they ruled over us for more than 200 years. Thus the Indian legal system also continues to follow the same black robe with white neckband on the top standard.
