The Gujarat High Court Advocates&rsquo; Association (GHCAA) announced on Saturday that lawyers will resume work from Monday, ending the strike that began on Tuesday in protest against the proposed transfer of Justice Sandeep Bhatt to the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
The strike was in response to the Supreme Court collegium&rsquo;s recommendation to transfer 14 judges across various states, including Justice Bhatt.
The decision to abstain from court proceedings was made at an extraordinary general body meeting of the association. This marked the longest strike by advocates in Gujarat since 1983, when a similar protest lasted six weeks. During the strike, lawyers also demonstrated outside the High Court premises.
To challenge the transfer, the association formed a six-member committee, led by GHCAA President Brijesh Trivedi and General Secretary Hardik Brahmbhatt, which traveled to Delhi to present its case. They met Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Thursday.
Senior advocate BM Mangukiya, who was part of the delegation, said, &ldquo;We apprised him of the fact that we do not know why an upright, honest and no-nonsense judge has been transferred. The collegium functions transparently; therefore we have a right to know the reason. We also apprised the Chief Justice that we have serious apprehension that the correct facts are not being placed before the collegium.&rdquo;
Trivedi added that the Chief Justice of India listened attentively and requested additional copies of the written representation. &ldquo;The delegation was assured that the Chief Justice of India and the collegium members would review their comprehensive submission,&rdquo; he said. The association noted that their plea is still under consideration and a formal response from the Supreme Court is awaited.
The delegation highlighted Justice Bhatt&rsquo;s record, stating he has handled nearly 19,000 cases in four years. They also noted his initiatives to enhance transparency, such as directing the installation of CCTV cameras in the High Court registry and highlighting missing files.
The GHCAA told the Chief Justice of India that the proposed transfer is unjustified and could harm the reputation of the institution. After presenting their case in Delhi, the association confirmed that lawyers would resume court proceedings from Monday while awaiting the Supreme Court&rsquo;s decision on their representation.

Gujarat HC Lawyers End Strike Over Judge Transfer

Delegation meets CJI in Delhi as Gujarat lawyers protest Justice Bhatt’s transfer

Gujarat HC Lawyers End Strike Over Judge Transfer

Delegation meets CJI in Delhi as Gujarat lawyers protest Justice Bhatt’s transfer

August 30, 2025 | 19:23 IST