‘How journalists come to court wearing jeans and T-shirt?’ asks Bombay HC

Noting that journalists should maintain decorum of the court, Chief Justice Manjula Chellur pointed at a journalist and asked whether it was part of “Bombay culture”. “How journalists come to court wearing jeans and T-shirt?” she asked.

The Bombay high court on Wednesday voiced displeasure over journalists covering court proceedings dressed in jeans and T-shirts, asking if it was “Bombay culture”.

A view of the Bombay high court. (HT File Photo)

The observation was made by Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice G S Kulkarni when they were hearing a petition challenging doctors who were abstaining from work.

The bench, on seeing a journalist from a national newspaper wearing jeans and T-shirt, wanted to know if there was any dress code for them.

Noting that journalists should maintain decorum of the court, Justice Chellur pointed at him and asked whether it was part of “Bombay culture”. “How journalists come to court wearing jeans and T-shirt?” she asked.

She then turned to the counsel for Mumbai civic body S S Pakale and asked him if there was any dress code for journalists. After Pakale responded in the negative, Justice Chellur wanted to know if wearing such attire to court was appreciated. The lawyer again responded with a “No”.

The court, however, did not pass any direction or guidelines on dress journalists should wear while covering court proceedings.