The Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association has resolved to boycott all official functions organized by the Gujarat High Court including full court references and oath taking ceremonies of the Chief Justice or any judges except those to which they are personally invited by the judge designate.
The Association further resolved not to accord any welcome or farewell to any judge either on appointment, elevation or retirement.
This decision was taken in protest against the High Court's reluctance to restart physical functioning despite the decline in COVID cases in the State.
A resolution in this regard was moved by Advocate Ashok Parekh and seconded by Advocate Mukesh Vaidya.
Despite frantic requests by lawyers who were faced with immense difficulty and hardship and notwithstanding the decline in COVID-19 cases, High Court did not accept the demands to restart physical hearing, the resolution said.
The Bar shall hold parallel functions to celebrate events of national and constitutional importance, the Association clarified.
"As a last resort and to avoid any friction, confrontation and feeling of ill will and distrust, the Bar requests Hon’ble the Chief Justice and his companion judges to start the physical functioning of the High Court from July 28, 2021. If the request is acceded to, the resolution shall automatically cease to operate,” the resolution added.
The Association also decided to hold a peaceful dharna outside gate no. 2 of the High Court on Monday, July 26, adhering to norms of social distancing, wearing of mask and other protocols prescribed by the State government.
[Read Resolution]