Revolt in Ahmedabad Courts: Angry Lawyers Sack Bar Presidents After Backroom Deal to End Rent Bill Strike Fails

High drama unfolded at the City Civil and Sessions Court and the Small Causes Court in Ahmedabad today over the contentious Gujarat Rent Bill 2026. What began as a boycott of court proceedings turned into internal chaos within the bar associations, leading to the dramatic ouster of the bar leadership and the destruction of sound equipment mid-meeting.

The Trigger: Gujarat Rent Bill 2026

Advocates across Gujarat have been on strike protesting the proposed Gujarat Rent Bill 2026. A primary grievance is the provision transferring rent agreement registration and landlord-tenant dispute jurisdiction away from traditional civil/small causes courts to Municipal Commissioners and Revenue Officers. Lawyers argue this undermines judicial oversight and directly harms legal practice.

Chaos in Court & The Broken Microphone

Tensions erupted during a general body meeting convened at the court premises:

• Unilateral Announcement: Session Court Bar Association President Jagat Choksi took the microphone and announced that the strike was being called off, citing verbal assurances from the state government.
• Uproar & Outrage: Outraged by the announcement, protesting lawyers immediately interrupted, demanding written proof or official meeting minutes from the government rather than verbal promises.
• Mic Smashed: As heated arguments broke out, Jagat Choksi smashed the microphone in frustration and stormed out of the meeting hall.

Bar Leadership Ousted

Following the dramatic exit, a signature drive was immediately launched on the court premises:

• Presidents Dismissed: Protesting advocates voted to dismiss Sessions Court Bar President Jagat Choksi and Small Causes Court Bar President J.B. Prajapat on the spot for calling off the strike without general consent.
• Interim Chiefs Appointed: Advocates I.D. Pathan and Vinod Dixit were appointed as interim co-presidents for the Sessions Court Bar, while C.M. Viramgami was made interim president for the Small Causes Bar.

Proceedings Disruptions & Extended Strike

Following the leadership change, groups of lawyers entered active courtrooms, requesting judges, litigants, and fellow advocates to halt ongoing proceedings. Legal work ground to a total halt across both campuses.

The newly appointed leadership announced that the indefinite strike against the Gujarat Rent Bill will continue through October 10, after which a fresh strategy meeting will decide the future course of action.