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Advocates' Association Abstains from Work Over
Introduction: A Unified Stand for Judicial Adjudication
The Advocates' Association (GHCAA) has taken a decisive step by abstaining from court work on , in a powerful show of solidarity against the . The decision was reached during an Extraordinary General Body meeting held at the High Court premises, chaired by , the Association's President. The two-day abstention aims to protest what the legal fraternity perceives as a direct threat to the in rent-related matters.
Background: The Controversial
The , passed by the last month, seeks to overhaul the existing rent control framework by replacing the . At the heart of the controversy is the Bill's provision to transfer the adjudication of rent disputes from traditional civil courts to revenue authorities, including Deputy Collectors and Additional Collectors. The Bill is currently awaiting the Governor's assent. The (BCG) had earlier called for a state-wide boycott of judicial proceedings starting October 5, urging all lawyers and bar associations to join the protest.
The Resolution: A Declaration of Solidarity and Concern
The GHCAA's resolution, passed unanimously, underscores the Association's alignment with the BCG's call. It states:
"It is unanimously resolved that, in support of our brothers and sisters practising before the Hon'ble
and the Hon'ble
, in consonance with the resolution and call of the
, and as a mark of respect for and solidarity with the members of the Bar, the members of the
Advocates' Association shall abstain from judicial work today, i.e.
, and tomorrow, i.e.
, in protest against the Gujarat Rent Bill, 2026."
The resolution further voices deep concern that the proposed law allows
"fundamental questions concerning
to be adjudicated by authorities that may not possess the
of a court necessary to determine such issues."
Arguments from the Legal Fraternity: A Call to Preserve Judicial Sanctity
The BCG, through its Chairman , has argued that the Bill shifts dispute resolution from the judiciary to an already overburdened bureaucracy. The Council fears that revenue officers, lacking specialized judicial training, may not adequately handle the recording and evaluation of evidence in rent disputes. Lawyers across Ahmedabad, particularly those from the City Civil and Small Causes Courts, have been vocal in their opposition, with some previously blocking access to the Bhadra court complex. The GHCAA's abstention is a continuation of this unified stance.
Key Observations: Quotes Capturing the Core Objection
From the resolution, several passages highlight the logic behind the abstention:
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"The proposed law permits fundamental questions concerning to be adjudicated by authorities that may not possess the of a court necessary to determine such issues."
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"It is not intended to cause any prejudice or hardship to litigants whose matters are listed before this Hon'ble Court during the period of abstention."
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"The having taken up this public cause, the GHCAA has thus resolved to support the said call and to abstain from judicial work."
Outcome: A Two-Day Work Abstention as a Statement
The GHCAA will abstain from all judicial work on October 5 and 6. The resolution also authorizes Secretary to communicate this decision to the Chief Justice of the , the Registrar General, the , and all other concerned authorities. The Association remains grateful for the court's ongoing understanding and assures that the abstention is intended solely as a peaceful protest against a Bill that the legal community believes undermines judicial adjudication. The move sets the stage for possible further discussions with the state government, as the Bar Council has sought a meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Law Minister to press for amendments restoring rent dispute powers to the judiciary.
