Can Anyone Wear a Black Robe? | ForumIAS

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]Can anyone wear a black robe? So, during a public appearance at Kolkata High Court, Mamata Banerjee appeared wearing a black advocate style gown. From where the debate occurs, who can really wear the black robe? According to section [music] 29 of the Advocates Act 1961, only duly enrolled advocates with valid [music] professional status are authorized to practice law. And with that comes the power, the right to wear advocate attire in the court. This attire, a law degree made law degree alone is not enough to wear this. The black robe is tied to legal enrollment and professional standing, not public identity. So, why this debate matters?

[00:00:40]The black robe is not just a fabric.

[00:00:42]Court function through discipline, identity, and institutional [music] rules. If legal attires become symbolic costumes, the distinction between professional authority and public performance may blur. [music] The question isn't only about one leader, it's about preserving the meaning of legal institution. So, here is the question for you. Are politicians, our so-called politicians, are they above law? Comment below, what do you think?