A formal dress code has been issued by the Principal Bench of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), New Delhi, for its members, which marks an influential step for standardising the courtroom decorum. While marking that the GSTAT Procedural Rules 2025 are quiet on the matter of specified attire, the move has arrived.
A new announcement has been made under Office Order No. 114/2025. This directive was issued and signed by Registrar Saurav Suman Shardool and has been approved by the Honourable President. It is now in effect, starting immediately.
As per the order, Judicial Members and the Hon’ble President are directed to wear attire prescribed for Judges of the Hon’ble Supreme Court or High Courts, but without the gown. It ensures judicial uniformity while introducing a slight relaxation in formality.
A distinct and detailed dress code for Technical Members has been laid down. Male Technical Members should wear either white, striped, or black trousers, paired with a black coat over a white shirt, along with a black necktie or a buttoned-up black coat.
Female Technical Members are advised to wear a black overcoat over a saree that is either black, white, or lightly printed. Also, any Technical Member wearing a turban should ensure that it is either white or light in colour.
Read Also: New GSTAT User Manual (v2.6) Out Now: Covers Registration, Appeals, and Re-filing
Casual or informal attire in court proceedings is prohibited by the order. Under the new code, there is no permit for the brightly coloured or heavily printed sarees for female members. Similarly, the turbans in vibrant or dark shades are not permitted. Wearing gowns is not necessary for Judicial Members, as it differs slightly from the traditional full court dress seen in other judicial forums.
The GSTAT, by introducing the same dress code, has the objective to carry consistency and a professional appearance in line with the other judicial and quasi-judicial bodies in India. From the order, the prescribed dress code must be followed with immediate effect.
Read the Office Order
