India, March 1 -- Taking note of increasingly harsh summers, the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (BCMG) has decided that advocates need not wear black coats, their usual dress code, from March 1 to June 30 every year.

The exemption from wearing black coats was earlier available only during the months of May to June. On February 27, the BCMG issued a circular, saying the exemption would now commence from March 1.

"It is resolved that months of 'summer' for the dress rules shall mean and include the months between March 1 to June 30. Accordingly, advocates will be exempted from wearing black coats/jackets," the circular stated.

Rules framed under section 49(1)(gg) of the Advocates Act, 1961, prescribe a dress code for all practicing a...