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Study Circle Launched for Advocates With Up to 10 Years of Practice

Gujarat High Court Big Move

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Gujarat High Court Launches Study Circle for Advocates: In a major initiative to strengthen the professional skills and legal knowledge of young advocates, the High Court of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Judicial Academy (GSJA), has announced the launch of a Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop) for Advocates Practicing before the High Court of Gujarat with up to 10 years of practice. The programme will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Announces Study Circle The initiative was announced by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, Justice Sunita Agarwal, after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the High Court Lawns on August 15. The announcement was made in the presence of Justice Bhargav D. Karia, Judge of the Gujarat High Court and President of GSJA, members of the Board of Governors of GSJA, other High Court judges, Senior Advocates and members of the Bar.
Focus on Legal Education and Professional Skills The new Study Circle is being introduced as a continuous legal learning and professional development programme for young members of the Bar. The initiative aims to enhance advocates&rsquo; understanding of legal principles, legal research, drafting and advocacy skills through direct interaction with Senior Advocates and subject experts. The programme is also expected to strengthen academic engagement between the Bench and the Bar and provide advocates with an opportunity to discuss important and evolving legal issues.
Justice Sunita Agarwal Highlights Importance of Continuous Learning Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlighted the indispensable role of advocates in the administration of justice. She emphasized that continuous legal education has become increasingly important in an era of rapidly evolving jurisprudence. The Chief Justice also stressed that effective advocacy and strong legal research are essential components of a robust justice delivery system. She appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy in conceptualizing and developing the Study Circle programme.
Three Key Legal Modules in First Phase The first phase of the Study Circle will feature three major academic modules covering important areas of High Court practice. Module I will focus on the expanding contours of maintainability in writ jurisdiction under Article 226, an important area of constitutional and administrative law practice. Module II will cover the basic principles of Administrative Law and Second Appeals under Section 100 of the CPC, with particular emphasis on the Doctrine of Substantial Question of Law. Module III will focus on Criminal Law Jurisdiction, particularly the inherent powers of High Courts under Section 482 of the CrPC and Section 528 of the BNSS, including their scope, limitations and principles of judicial discipline.
Study Circle to Be Held Fortnightly The Study Circle is proposed to be conducted on a fortnightly basis, providing advocates with regular opportunities for legal learning and professional interaction. Future sessions will cover a wide range of subjects, including Constitutional Law, Writ Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Conciliation Law, Commercial Law, Public Interest Litigation, Service Law, Taxation Law, Admiralty Jurisdiction, Legal Ethics and Drafting Skills. The programme will also address contemporary legal issues that are particularly relevant to advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court.
Registration to Begin Soon Registration for the Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop Series) for Advocates Practicing in the High Court of Gujarat &ndash; Series of Academic Modules 2026 will begin shortly through the official website of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy. The programme is specifically intended for advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court who have up to 10 years of professional practice.
Registration Fee The registration fee for the Study Circle has been fixed at ₹100 per programme, which will be paid by each participating advocate. The workshops will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad. Advocates attending the workshops will also receive Certificates of Participation.
Major Step Towards Strengthening Justice Delivery The Gujarat High Court and Gujarat State Judicial Academy's new Study Circle is being viewed as a significant step towards professional excellence and development of the legal fraternity. By bringing young advocates, Senior Advocates and legal experts together for regular academic discussions, the initiative aims to improve legal knowledge, research and advocacy skills while strengthening the Bench-Bar relationship. The broader objective is to contribute towards a more effective and efficient justice delivery system in Gujarat.

Gujarat has recorded the highest number of approvals for diverting forest land to non-forest use over the past five financial years, according to information shared in the Rajya Sabha. Between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2025, the state received clearance for 1,560 proposals under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, the most among all states and union territories.
Haryana ranked second with 1,424 approvals, followed by Uttar Pradesh (1,188), Punjab (1,067), and Madhya Pradesh (902). Nationwide, authorities approved 10,026 proposals during this period, while 120 were rejected.
The Union environment ministry reported that 97,050.30 hectares of forest land were diverted across India between 2020-21 and 2024-25. Officials noted that approvals are granted through a statutory process once proposals meet all requirements.
Although Gujarat led in the number of clearances, it was not the top state in terms of total forest area diverted. The state recorded 6,850.11 hectares over five years, whereas Madhya Pradesh accounted for the largest share at 24,346.96 hectares, followed by Odisha with 12,875.94 hectares. Gujarat&rsquo;s annual diversion ranged from nearly 1,900 hectares in 2020-21 to about 537 hectares in 2023-24 before rising again in 2024-25.
Across the country, road construction accounted for the biggest portion of diverted land at over 22,000 hectares. Mining, hydel and irrigation projects, power transmission lines, railways, and defence activities also contributed significantly. Smaller allocations went toward drinking water infrastructure, rehabilitation projects, petrol pumps, optical fibre networks, and pipelines.
Despite the diversion of forest land for development, the ministry maintains that India&rsquo;s forest and tree cover has steadily expanded. Data from the India State of Forest Report shows an increase from 789,979 sq km in 2013 to 827,357 sq km in 2023.
Responding to concerns based on estimates from the Global Forest Watch platform suggesting lower forest cover, the government stated that differing methodologies and definitions account for the variation. It emphasised that the Forest Survey of India&rsquo;s assessment relies on remote sensing backed by field verification and national inventory data.
The government also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening green cover, including the National Mission for a Green India, Nagar Van Yojana, mangrove conservation programmes, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund, wildlife habitat development, forest fire prevention efforts, and the nationwide plantation drive &ldquo;Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.&rdquo;

State tops India in cleared proposals as over 97,000 hectares diverted for projects

Gujarat Leads in Forest Land Diversion Approvals

An on-duty traffic police constable was injured after a car driver allegedly tried to run him over during a routine vehicle check at Bhadaj Circle in Ahmedabad on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred around 6:30 pm when the A-Division Traffic Police were checking vehicles under the Bhadaj Chaar Rasta bridge. A silver Hyundai Creta, reportedly without a number plate, was signalled to stop as it approached from Science City Road. While the driver initially slowed down, he refused to halt despite repeated instructions.
As constable Narendra Raisingi attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver suddenly accelerated, hitting the officer and forcing him onto the car&rsquo;s bonnet. The vehicle continued at high speed towards Shilaj on the SP Ring Road, carrying the constable for nearly one to one-and-a-half kilometres. Two other occupants in the car allegedly encouraged the driver to flee.
Police teams chased the vehicle, and near Hebatpur Bridge, heavy traffic forced it to slow down. The constable then fell onto the road and sustained injuries. One of the occupants attempted to escape but was caught at the spot.
Sola Police registered a case of attempted murder against three accused. One accused, Prabhuji Thakor alias Bholo from Banaskantha, has been arrested. The driver was identified as Idris Khan Pathan, a resident of Harij in Patan district, while another accused has also been booked.
Police officials stated that the driver has two prior criminal cases, while the arrested accused has a history of liquor-related offences. The injured constable is reported to be out of danger, and further investigation is ongoing.
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Car drags on-duty constable on bonnet for over a km during routine check in Bhadaj

Cop Injured After Run-Over Attempt in A'bad

The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surat Police has uncovered an illegal synthetic drug manufacturing unit operating under the guise of a food testing laboratory at Polaris Shopping Mall in the Parvat Patiya area. The operation has revealed a suspected international connection, with the alleged mastermind believed to be operating from London.
During the raid, police seized high-purity Mephedrone (MD) drugs, chemicals and advanced machinery used in production. Narcotics and materials worth approximately ₹2.92 lakh were recovered. Three individuals have been arrested, while the prime accused, identified as Janak Jadani, is currently believed to be based in the United Kingdom.
The case surfaced on January 1, 2026, when SOG officers detained 21-year-old Jill Thummar from Amroli and recovered 236 grams of MD drugs from his possession. During questioning, Thummar revealed that the drugs were manufactured locally in Surat rather than sourced from outside the state.
Acting on this information, police raided Dikriya Food and Pharma Analytical Laboratory located at Polaris Shopping Centre on Vesu Canal Road. Although the premises appeared to function as a legitimate food testing lab, investigators discovered chemical reactors, sophisticated equipment and hazardous substances allegedly used to produce synthetic drugs.
Among those arrested is a senior laboratory technician. Police said the accused had technical knowledge in chemical sciences and was actively involved in manufacturing high-grade MD at the facility. Investigations indicate that the lab was allegedly financed and supervised by Janak Jadani from abroad, who reportedly supplied chemical formulas, funds and operational instructions.
Authorities believe the drugs were distributed through local networks, with a focus on upscale areas of Surat. Following the emergence of the international link, Surat Police are exploring coordination with central agencies and may approach Interpol to initiate further legal action against the main accused.

Illegal unit run as food lab exposed, London-based kingpin under scanner

Surat Police Bust MD Drug Lab in Shopping Mall

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will arrive in India on January 12 for his first official visit to the country, with Ahmedabad marking the beginning of his two-day tour. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the visit will take place from January 12 to 13, 2026, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the MEA, Chancellor Merz will travel to Ahmedabad and Bengaluru during his stay. Prime Minister Modi will formally receive the German leader in Ahmedabad on January 12. The visit comes as India and Germany mark 25 years of their Strategic Partnership, providing an opportunity to review progress and chart the next phase of bilateral cooperation.
Discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus on strengthening collaboration in trade and investment, technology, education, skill development and mobility. Talks will also cover expanding engagement in defence and security, science and research, innovation, green growth and sustainable development, along with deeper people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz will also interact with business and industry leaders and exchange views on key regional and global issues. The visit is expected to build on ongoing high-level political engagements between the two countries.
Officials said the tour will help reaffirm the shared commitment of India and Germany to a forward-looking partnership aimed at delivering mutual benefits and contributing to global stability and growth.

Ahmedabad first stop as India–Germany ties set for boost across key sectors

German Chancellor Merz to Visit India on Jan 12

Through specific inputs, the Kutch West Forest Division carried out a late-night operation in Bhuj city on January 4, 2026, leading to the seizure of wildlife hunting equipment, animal remains, and illicit liquor from a residential premises.
During night patrolling by the Bhuj West Range, forest officials conducted a raid at a house located in Ashapura Nagar. A room inside the house was searched, during which officials recovered weapons and tools allegedly used for hunting wild animals. The seized items included remains of a wild animal identified as an Indian porcupine, locally known as shahudi, along with teeth and jaw parts suspected to belong to other wild species.
Officials also seized a motorcycle bearing registration number GJ-12-EQ-5257 from the premises. In addition, equipment linked to an illegal country liquor distillation setup and a stock of illicit liquor were found during the operation.
Following the raid, a resident of Ashapura Nagar, identified as Sureshbhai Dilipbhai Kasviya, was arrested. A case has been registered against him under multiple provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Forest authorities said further investigation and legal proceedings are currently underway.
The operation highlights continued enforcement efforts by the forest department to curb illegal wildlife hunting and related unlawful activities in the Kutch region.

Forest officials recover animal remains, liquor in Kutch operation

Wildlife Hunting Gear Seized in Bhuj Night Raid

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Following the death of a 43-year-old man who fell into an uncovered sewer in the Manjalpur area on December 26, police in Vadodara have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against those responsible for maintaining the site.
The victim, Vipulsinh Zala, son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, died after slipping into an open sewer on December 26. The case has been filed against the owners and staff of a private agency tasked with sewer maintenance at the location.
According to police, the complaint was lodged by Zala&rsquo;s wife, Madhaviba Zala. She stated that the family had stepped out for dinner at roadside Chinese food stalls near Darbar Chowkdi, close to the Sports Complex in Manjalpur. During the outing, Zala walked away to park their vehicle nearby but did not return.
When repeated calls to his phone went unanswered and it was later found switched off, family members began searching the area. During the search, they noticed that the cover of a main sewer line near the Vadodara Municipal Corporation overhead and underground water tank compound was missing and lying to one side.
Using a mobile phone torch, the family spotted Zala&rsquo;s footwear floating inside the drain. Local residents alerted emergency services, after which teams from the fire brigade and the 108 ambulance service arrived at the spot.
Zala was pulled out of the sewer, estimated to be around 20 to 25 feet deep, and rushed to a hospital, where doctors later declared him dead during treatment.
Police said preliminary findings point to serious safety lapses at the site. The sewer lid had allegedly been left open without barricades, warning boards or caution signs, despite the area being accessible to pedestrians and vehicles. Officials said such failures amounted to criminal negligence.
Based on the complaint, Manjalpur police registered an offence under Sections 105 and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Eco Facility Management Services, the agency contracted for cleaning and maintenance work at the location. The case names the firm&rsquo;s owners and employees responsible for the work. Further investigation is underway to fix individual accountability and to examine whether civic officials were also at fault.
Meanwhile, the VMC has initiated departmental action following an internal review. Additional assistant engineer Atul Bhalgamiya has been suspended after prima facie negligence was found. A notice has also been issued to deputy executive engineer Harikrishna Manani, seeking an explanation for alleged supervisory lapses.
In an official statement, the civic body reiterated that securing work sites, installing barricades and restricting public access during maintenance activities are mandatory safety requirements. The VMC has also begun proceedings to blacklist the contractor and has filed a separate police complaint against the firm.
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Gujarat: Culpable Homicide Filed in Manhole Death

FIR names the agency and staffers over the uncovered sewer

In a move aimed at strengthening transparency and protecting parents from unauthorised fee hikes, the Gujarat government has made the approved fee structures of 5,780 private schools publicly accessible online.
The initiative has been implemented through the Fee Regulatory Committee (FRC) and seeks to address long-standing complaints from parents regarding arbitrary charges and lack of clarity in private school fee collection.
With the new system in place, parents can now check the exact fee approved for their child&rsquo;s school directly on the FRC website. Any amount charged beyond the sanctioned structure will be treated as a violation of the law.
<h4 data-start="820" data-end="874">Transparency measure to address parent grievances</h4>
For years, parents across Gujarat have alleged that many private schools failed to disclose official fee orders issued by the FRC. Several institutions were accused of levying additional charges under various heads such as admissions, term fees and extracurricular activities, leaving families uncertain about their legal obligations.
Although schools were earlier directed to display approved fee orders on their notice boards, officials acknowledged that compliance was inconsistent and enforcement weak.
By uploading fee orders directly on its official portal, the FRC aims to eliminate this information gap and ensure greater accountability among private educational institutions.
<h4 data-start="1564" data-end="1618">Fee details of thousands of schools now available</h4>
According to the FRC, approved fee structures of 5,780 private schools across Gujarat have been uploaded, covering institutions in Ahmedabad and other districts.
In the Ahmedabad zone alone, fee details of 2,310 private schools within city limits and 394 schools in rural areas have been made available. The information has been organised class-wise, medium-wise and board-wise, enabling parents to easily verify the applicable fee for their child&rsquo;s grade and curriculum.
<h4 data-start="2094" data-end="2142">Strict enforcement under fee regulation law</h4>
Private school fees in Gujarat are regulated under the Fee Determination Act, which came into force in 2017. However, officials admitted that enforcement of the law was uneven in its initial years.
Following a recent Supreme Court ruling, the regulatory framework has been tightened further. Schools are now barred from collecting even a single rupee more than the amount approved by the FRC, including under heads such as admission or term fees.
Ahmedabad city District Education Officer Rohit Chaudhary said the FRC Ahmedabad zone has approved fee structures of over 5,800 schools and that parents can access the details online as well as on school notice boards.
He added that schools whose fees have been reduced by the committee are required to refund the excess amount collected from parents or adjust it against future fees, provided the decision is not altered on appeal.
Officials clarified that failure to comply with the approved fee structure would invite action under existing laws.

Gujarat: Private School Fee Structures Go Online

State responds to parent complaints on hidden private school fees

A 40-year-old man died after falling into an uncovered sewage manhole in Vadodara&rsquo;s Manjalpur area on Friday evening, triggering public anger and action by the civic body against the contractor responsible for maintenance work.
The victim, Vipulsinh Zala, fell into the open manhole near a municipal water tank around 7.30 pm. Cleaning and pipeline work had been carried out earlier in the day, but the manhole was allegedly left uncovered amid poor lighting and without barricades or warning signs.
&ldquo;When he did not return for a few minutes, we started looking for him. We then realised he had fallen into the manhole. We immediately called emergency services and the fire brigade,&rdquo; Zala&rsquo;s brother-in-law said. Firefighters later pulled him out from the 15&ndash;17 foot-deep pit, but he was declared dead on arrival at a private hospital.
Vadodara Municipal Corporation officials said a detailed inquiry is underway. &ldquo;The manhole was left open by the agency after completion of the work. A detailed report has been sought, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,&rdquo; VMC Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu said. The contractor has been identified for legal action and blacklisting, while Zala, an employee of Alembic Company, is survived by his wife and young son.
&nbsp;

Uncovered sewage pit after civic work claims life; contractor faces action

Vadodara Manhole Death Sparks Outrage

A special CBI court has convicted three individuals and a textile company in a bank loan fraud case involving forged import documents and diversion of funds under a government-backed scheme. The case pertains to a loan sanctioned by SIDBI&rsquo;s Surat branch under the Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) scheme meant for modernising the textile sector.
The convicted are Ankush Nakrani, proprietor of M/s A-One International, and Ashok Katharotiya and Himmat Vaddoriya, directors of M/s Jemish Textiles Pvt. Ltd. All three were sentenced to three years&rsquo; imprisonment and fined ₹50,000 each. The company was also fined ₹50,000.
The investigation found that forged bills of entry and import documents were submitted to falsely claim the import of textile machinery, enabling the sanction of a nearly ₹2 crore loan. No machinery was actually imported, but funds were disbursed on the basis of fabricated records.
The diverted loan caused a wrongful loss of ₹63.12 lakh to SIDBI, with an equivalent gain to the accused. The CBI registered the case in 2013 and filed a chargesheet in 2014 after establishing criminal conspiracy and misuse of public funds.

Gujarat: CBI Court Convicts Textile Firm Directors

Forged loan papers under TUF scheme caused ₹63 lakh loss to SIDBI Surat

Gujarat

Gujarat High Court Big Move

Gujarat Leads in Forest Land Diversion Approvals

Cop Injured After Run-Over Attempt in A'bad

Surat Police Bust MD Drug Lab in Shopping Mall

German Chancellor Merz to Visit India on Jan 12

Wildlife Hunting Gear Seized in Bhuj Night Raid

Gujarat: Culpable Homicide Filed in Manhole Death

Gujarat: Private School Fee Structures Go Online

Vadodara Manhole Death Sparks Outrage

Gujarat: CBI Court Convicts Textile Firm Directors

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