Gujarat High Court lawyers strike over judges' transfer, await collegium talks

Ahmedabad,UPDATED: Aug 28, 2025 16:15 IST

Lawyers of the Gujarat High Court went on strike on Thursday to protest against the proposed transfer of two sitting judges of the court. The Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association (GHCAA) had decided in its meeting on Wednesday that members would boycott proceedings for a day.

Vice-President of the Association, Virat Popat, said the protest was aimed at urging the Supreme Court Collegium to reconsider its transfer recommendations. “Judges are transferred by the Collegium, but rules must not be ignored. There should be no external pressure on judges for transfers. That is our main demand,” he said. He added that a final decision on whether to continue the strike will be taken on Friday morning, after the association’s delegation meets Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and other Collegium members in New Delhi.

The strike comes after the Collegium recommended the transfer of 14 High Court judges across the country, including Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt and Justice CM Roy of the Gujarat High Court. Justice Bhatt has been proposed for transfer to the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Bhopal, while Justice Roy has been recommended for transfer to the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

A large number of lawyers gathered outside the Gujarat High Court to demonstrate, raising slogans of “Ekta Zindabad”. GHCAA President Brijesh Trivedi and Secretary Hardik Brahmbhatt, along with other members of the committee, are in Delhi to submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice of India and the Collegium opposing the transfers.

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