Introduction

The Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association (GHCAA) has formally appealed to the Chief Justice of India (BR Gavai) for the transfer of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal from the Gujarat High Court.

The association has expressed serious concerns about unprecedented delays in case registrations and clearance backlogs following new procedural instructions issued by the Chief Justice. These developments have caused widespread disruption to daily court functioning, affecting both litigants and advocates.

Background of the Controversy

The issue arose after the introduction of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in September 2025, which prohibits overwriting, interpolation, or manual corrections in case files unless authorized by the registry.

While the rule aimed to bring transparency and accountability, it has instead created severe administrative bottlenecks, with thousands of case files pending for approval or awaiting filing numbers.

The GHCAA claims that the delays have also impacted urgent matters like bail applications, leaving many litigants in distress.

GHCAA’s Concerns and Representation

According to the association, the problem has worsened despite multiple meetings between GHCAA representatives, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, and other senior judges.

The bar stated that many original case files have gone missing, and junior lawyers are struggling to get their cases listed. The delays, they argue, have crippled the court’s functioning — particularly concerning as the Diwali vacation begins on October 17, 2025.

The GHCAA, in its official communication, emphasized that such filing issues have never occurred in the High Court’s 65-year history. The association has requested a personal audience with the CJI to resolve the matter urgently.

About Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal

Justice Sunita Agarwal assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in July 2023. Prior to this, she served as a judge at the Allahabad High Court, where she was known for her emphasis on procedural discipline and administrative reform.

The recent SOP introduced under her tenure, however, has sparked debate within the legal fraternity over the balance between procedural strictness and judicial efficiency.

Impact on the Legal Community

The filing backlog has created a ripple effect across the Gujarat legal ecosystem:

• Litigants are facing prolonged wait times for hearing dates.

• Junior lawyers report reduced work opportunities due to fewer case listings.

• Senior advocates warn that the administrative paralysis could damage the High Court’s reputation for prompt justice delivery.

Legal experts suggest that while stricter documentation norms are necessary, implementation without transitional support has led to operational breakdowns.

Looking Ahead

The GHCAA’s letter to CJI BR Gavai seeks intervention to restore normalcy at the Gujarat High Court. The association has urged the transfer of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal or the immediate suspension of the new SOP until a more balanced system is in place.

The coming weeks will determine whether the Supreme Court intervenes to address the crisis or directs internal reform measures within the Gujarat High Court’s registry system.

Conclusion

The ongoing standoff between the Gujarat High Court Bar and Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlights a critical debate between judicial discipline and accessibility to justice. As the bar awaits the Chief Justice of India’s response, the outcome of this administrative crisis will likely shape future judicial governance practices across India’s High Courts.