7 Years of Promises, A Vow to Convert, and A Surprise Wedding: Surat Lawyers’ Bitter Feud Reaches Gujarat High Court

A stormy domestic dispute between two practicing advocates from Surat has reached the steps of the Gujarat High Court after a woman lawyer filed criminal charges against her former partner, alleging he duped her into a seven-year relationship under the pretext of marriage and conversion. The accused advocate, who allegedly promised to convert to Hinduism and change his name, broke off the alliance to marry his senior’s daughter, triggering a high-profile legal battle.

According to court filings presented on Thursday, September 18, the two lawyers initially established a professional relationship in Surat that later turned personal. Appearing for the complainant, advocates Ronith Joy and Jai Tamakuwala submitted before the court that the accused, identified as Rehem, pledged to adopt Hinduism, take the name 'Rahul', and marry the victim.

Seven-Year Relationship Ends in Sudden Betrayal

The complainant stated that she consented to a physical relationship based entirely on Rehem's explicit assurance that he would convert and formalize their union. The relationship continued for nearly seven years before the accused abruptly reneged on his commitment.

Instead of fulfilling his promise, Rehem married the daughter of his senior advocate, prompting the woman lawyer to lodge a formal First Information Report (FIR) detailing the alleged deceit and breach of trust.

High Court Refuses to Quash FIR

Seeking relief, the accused advocate petitioned the Gujarat High Court to quash the FIR, arguing through his counsel that a failed relationship or a broken promise to marry cannot automatically be classified as a criminal offence such as rape.

However, the Gujarat High Court declined to intervene or throw out the FIR at this stage. The unfolding drama between two active legal practitioners has sparked widespread discussion across legal circles in Surat.

Accused Left Unrepresented as Lawyer Withdraws

The legal troubles for the accused have compounded rapidly over recent days:

• Anticipatory Bail Rejected: A lower trial court previously threw out Rehem's plea for anticipatory bail, leaving him vulnerable to immediate arrest.
• Counsel Steps Down: During the High Court hearing on his bail plea, the lawyer representing the accused informed the bench that he was withdrawing from the matter and would no longer represent him.

With his defense counsel stepping aside, the matter remains pending before the High Court for further hearings while police investigations continue.