A lawyer was bitten by stray dogs inside the Gujarat High Court premises on Monday night, reigniting concerns about the lack of the action by authorities including the High Court to address the threat posed by stray canines inside the court campus..The incident occurred in the evening around the auditorium parking area of the Gujarat High Court complex when advocate Radhesh Vyas was attacked and bitten by two stray dogs. Vyas was immediately assisted by advocate Pramodkumar C Gehlot, a GHCAA committee member, along with a police personnel present at the spot. Advocate Gehlot took Vyas to GMERS Medical College and Hospital for treatment.Two precautionary injections were administered immediately, and three more have been scheduled on specific dates, advocate Gehlot told Bar and Bench..Gehlot also stated that stray dogs are commonly seen within the Gujarat High Court premises, including areas beside the bar rooms, near the canteen, outside courtrooms and other parts of the complex.He said that the matter will be taken up by the GHCAA."We are having a meeting on this issue and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future,” Gehlot said..Following the incident, GHCAA President Senior Advocate Yatin Oza wrote to the Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court seeking the immediate removal of stray dogs from the entire High Court campus.Speaking to Bar and Bench, Oza said,“This happens frequently on the premises, not just to lawyers, but to litigants as well.”The bite in case of Vyas was severe and stitches were required, Oza said.Oza stated that dog attacks on the High Court premises are frequent and recurring. He noted that in December alone, four to five clients and other visitors suffered dog bites.He also said that some advocates have been feeding the dogs, a practice that has contributed to the animals becoming a persistent menace on the Court premises.Further in a video message, Oza said that municipal officials, who had earlier come to remove stray dogs, were allegedly assaulted and obstructed by certain members of the Bar. He stated that such conduct would not be tolerated, disciplinary action would follow, and he would request the Municipal Commissioner to register an FIR against those involved.."Please be mindful of the fact that your gundaism and rowdism is not going to deter me or any of my member of my managing committee to take the steps which we feel is in the best interest of the lawyers and Bar Association," said Oza. .Oza added he will personally oversee the process and act as the first informant if municipal officials are obstructed again..The GHCAA is coordinating with municipal authorities to implement a long-term solution, including relocating the animals to a designated facility while ensuring humane treatment..The incident comes against the backdrop of earlier concerns raised by the GHCAA with the High Court administration about the presence of stray dogs on the premises. In the past, the association has formally asked for the removal of stray dogs from the High Court complex..Pertinently, the Supreme Court has recently been examining the issue of stray dogs in public spaces and passing several orders to tackle the problem.It has asked authorities to frame a national policy on stray dog management, restricted public feeding of strays, and issued directions on removing stray animals from sensitive public places such as highways, hospitals, schools, and colleges..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.
