India, July 20 -- A recent directive barring everyone but lawyers from wearing black pants and white shirt at the Rohini court premises has evoked a mixed response from senior bar leaders and former judges themselves - while they acknowledge that the diktat will prevent impersonation and fraud, the question which arises is: how do you control an individualistic a choice as clothes.

"The intention is to distinguish lawyers from others and to bolster court security," said Pradeep Khatri, secretary of the Rohini Bar Association. "We cannot penalise anyone for not obeying the dress code, but lawyers have been requested to sensitise their clients about the rule and the reason behind it. There will be some initial hurdles, but over time, the n...