Kano Shariah court judicial authorities vows to penalize erring lawyers for improper dressing…. Speaks tough
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Kano Shariah Court of Appeal has stated that lawyers who fail to dress appropriately, when appearing before the courts would be sanctioned accordingly.
The chief registrar, Shariah Court of Appeal, Kano, Abubakar Haruna Khalil in an official missive dated 15th December 2021,addressed to the courts and inspectors, a copy made available to our correspondent had frowned at what the chief registrar described as the incessant cases of improper dressing by lawyers appearing before Kano Shariah court judges.
The letter with reference no SCA/Court/92/1/106 decried the continuous violation of the provisions of rules 6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, stressing that the method of dressing by lawyers is a strong determinant in attracting respect for and promoting the noble profession.
He stated that , male lawyers appearing before the Shariah courts are mandated to appear dressed in black suit, white shirt with winged collars, white bib , black socks, black stripped black trousers.
Khalil further said female lawyers should also comply with the rules by appearing before the courts in white blouse, dark jacket preferably black, with black shoes and white bib.
Adding that there “ should be no embroidery of any type and moderate jewelry.”
“in both cases counsel shall appear legally and refrain from any apparel not specifically mentioned above or provided by any regulation made by the bar council or body of benchers.”
The chief registrar cautioned that “ as of today the foregoing remains the only mode of dressing approved for lawyers appearing before the courts.
Khalil then warned that “ take notice , therefore, that any lawyer who fails or neglects to comply may not be granted the right of audience, henceforth in the Shariah Court of Appeal, Upper Shariah and Shariah Courts in Kano state.”
