In its recent history, lawyers and judges in the Kerala High Court have  the option to ditch black! In other words, the lawyers will be moving from black and white to all-white this summer.

So, if you happen to be in the Kerala High Court premises and see the lawyers wearing white attire, don’t be shocked.

India’s southernmost state has been in the grip of a brutal heatwave for weeks.  Temperatures in many areas have skyrocketed above 42 degrees Celsius, with temperatures in regions like Palakkad and Punalur soaring every day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts these scorching temperatures will continue for the coming days, with 12 of the state’s 14 districts placed under a yellow alert, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Recognizing the discomfort caused by the traditional black coats and gowns worn by the lawyers, the High Court has passed a resolution allowing them to ditch these formal garments until May 31st. This is the first time such a relaxation of dress code has been implemented. Lawyers can now appear in district courts in cooler attire, opting for white shirts and pants. Even within the High Court itself, the use of black attire has been made optional, offering a welcome respite from the heat.

This decision comes in direct response to an application by the Kerala High Court Bar Association. The association highlighted the difficulties faced by lawyers due to the record-breaking temperatures and the additional discomfort caused by the dark clothing. The High Court’s resolution demonstrates a commendable level of understanding and a willingness to adapt to challenging weather conditions.

This action by the Kerala High Court paves the way for other institutions to consider similar measures to help their employees and the public beat the heat. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to climate change, practical solutions like this will become increasingly necessary to ensure the well-being of all citizens.