The Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association at Jammu has issued a notice prohibiting clerks, litigants and general public from wearing black coats with white shirts and black trousers within the court complex.

Any clerk, litigant or member of the general public found wearing the advocate's attire will be presumed to be a tout, a notice issued by the Bar Association Joint Secretary Anshu Mahajan said.

"It is hereby notified that no clerk, litigant, or member of the general public is permitted to wear a white shirt, black pants and black coat during their visit to the Court Complex. Anyone found violating the said notification shall be treated as tout and appropriate action under law shall be initiated against the violator including filing of formal complaint against such persons," the notice issued on July 19 said.

The Bar Association emphasised that the traditional black-and-white dress is a mark of professional identity exclusive to lawyers and should not be misused or imitated by unauthorized individuals.

The decision came after concerns were raised about impersonation and unauthorised conduct within court premises.

Meanwhile, the Association also directed advocates to ensure that their interns maintain decorum by wearing a proper uniform, including a black necktie, while strictly refraining from wearing the ‘band’, the white neck accessory associated with practicing advocates.