05/09/2024
"Black Coat Syndrome" is a term introduced by President Droupadi Murmu to describe the intense anxiety and nervousness that ordinary citizens feel in courtrooms. This phenomenon occurs because many people, particularly those from rural or less privileged backgrounds, feel intimidated and overwhelmed in the formal legal environment, often represented by lawyers wearing black coats. This stress can lead individuals to struggle with presenting their case or even recalling important details, making their experience in court even more difficult. President Murmu compared this to "White Coat Hypertension," where patients experience a spike in blood pressure when visiting doctors due to anxiety.
The President raised this issue during the National Conference of the District Judiciary to highlight the broader challenges faced by ordinary people in the judicial system, particularly the financial and emotional burden of court adjournments.
