Deadly heat grips Vadodara court: lawyers demand medical facility 

Vadodara, Gujarat — In a grim consequence of Gujarat’s searing heatwave, the Vadodara District Court—Central Gujarat’s largest judicial complex—has become a hotspot not only for legal battles but also for medical emergencies and death. Over the past few weeks, the oppressive heat in and around the court premises has claimed at least four lives, with several more suffering heart attacks and collapses due to heat-related stress.

“There is no way this is normal,” said Advocate Hemang Shah, who practices in the Diwalipura-based court. “Every few days someone collapses. How many deaths will it take before authorities realise this is a public health crisis?”

On May 31, Kishore Patni, a court clerk, succumbed to a heart attack during working hours. Just nine days earlier, ASI Ambalal died on the spot after collapsing in court. Incidents of heart attacks among litigants and court staff have become alarmingly frequent. Earlier this month, Kripalsinh Jadeja, another clerk, died on duty. Several more—including an accused in a cheque return case and even a judge in Padra—have suffered cardiac episodes over the last year.

“Heat, high blood pressure, stress, and black coats—it’s a deadly combination,” said lawyer Amit Thakkar. “We are forced to wear black clothes as part of the profession, but under this sun, it’s torture. It’s not about discomfort anymore, it’s about survival.”

Every day, more than 7,000 people—including around 2,000 lawyers, judicial staff, and litigants—pass through the court’s congested hallways and courtrooms. Designed at a cost of ₹130 crore, the Diwalipura court complex lacks basic medical infrastructure. There is no in-house medical team, no first-aid centre, and no ambulance on standby despite repeated emergencies.

“This is criminal negligence,” added Advocate Sheetal Patel. “If this were a private company, they’d be liable for endangering lives. Why does the judiciary not ensure medical safety for its own people?”

Lawyers across Vadodara are now urging the Gujarat High Court to intervene. Their demand is simple but urgent: deploy a mobile medical van or establish a small hospital with a medical team inside the court premises to provide immediate response during emergencies.

“The court complex is a city in itself. With so many people inside every day, a dedicated medical facility is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said lawyer Nirav Desai. “We’ve lost too many lives already.”