A delegation of Gujarat High Court lawyers met Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant opposing the transfer of Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt to Madhya Pradesh High Court, citing his integrity and judicial contributions.

GHCAA Delegation Meets CJI

On Thursday, a delegation of the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHCAA) met CJI BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant to present a representation opposing the transfer of Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt to the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Since 26 August 2025, GHCAA has been on strike over the transfer proposal, which was approved by the Supreme Court Collegium during its meetings on 25–26 August 2025.

Composition of the Delegation

The GHCAA formed a special committee to advocate for the Bar’s interests. The delegation included:

• Brijesh J. Trivedi, GHCAA President

• Senior Advocate Asim Pandya

• Advocates Hardik Brahmbhatt, Babubhai Mangukiya, Dipen Dave, and Bhargav Bhatt

The lawyers expressed their opposition to the transfer, emphasizing Justice Bhatt’s fairness, diligence, and integrity.

Representation in Favor of Justice Bhatt

The written representation highlighted Justice Bhatt’s judicial record:

• Promoted as a Judge in October 2021

• Adjudicated approximately 19,000 cases over four years

• Maintained an industrious and respected presence in the Gujarat judiciary

The Bar praised his integrity, stating it is “above suspicion,” and emphasized the respect he commands among his peers.

Allegations Against the High Court Administration

The representation criticized administrative practices under Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, suggesting that Justice Bhatt’s transfer might be linked to administrative friction.

Key examples included:

• Registrar AT Ukrani failed to return 15 case files to a Surat court within seven months (2019). Justice Bhatt questioned this delay.

• Following his order, the Chief Justice changed Justice Bhatt’s roster, moving him to a Division Bench under a senior judge, despite GHCAA’s objections.

Further Controversies

Justice Bhatt later handled service matter cases, where he noted deficiencies, including the failure to install CCTV cameras in judiciary departments. Some of his observations were expunged by a Division Bench.

The Bar emphasized that Justice Bhatt never overstepped legal boundaries, maintaining adherence to judicial norms.

Background of Justice Bhatt

• Education: Science degree from Kotak Science College, Rajkot (1988); Law degree (1992)

• Legal Career: Enrolled as advocate with Bar Council of Gujarat in 1993; practiced at Rajkot District Court with his father N.S. Bhatt

• Gujarat High Court: Joined in 1994 under late Girishbhai D. Bhatt; elevated to Judge in October 2021 after nearly 30 years in law

Concerns Over the Transfer Process

The GHCAA argued that judge transfers should not be routine. In Justice Bhatt’s case, they warned that the transfer could be perceived as stigmatic, potentially harming both his reputation and the judiciary’s credibility.

The delegation could not meet all members of the Collegium but sent additional copies of the representation for consideration.