Surat Lawyers Boycott Courts Over Gujarat Rent Bill

SURAT: A growing confrontation between Gujarat’s legal fraternity and the state government over the Gujarat Rent Bill, 2026 has reached Surat courts, with the Surat District Bar Association announcing a three-day abstention from judicial work, citing concerns over the role of lawyers and the handling of rent disputes.

The Association took the decision after extensive discussions among its council members and said the move was aimed at protecting the interests of both lawyers and litigants. The Gujarat Assembly passed the Rent Bill unanimously earlier this month, introducing a new framework involving Rent Authorities, Rent Courts and Rent Tribunals.

According to the Surat District Bar Association, lawyers will abstain from court proceedings from September 30 to October 3. The association has informed the Principal District Judge and subordinate courts about the protest and requested that no adverse orders, including ex-parte orders, dismissals, warrants or summons, be issued solely because lawyers or litigants are absent.

Advocate Bhaveshbhai Rabari, a member of the Bar Council of Gujarat, said the principal objection was the proposed mechanism for resolving rent disputes.

“The new Rent Bill sidelines the judicial system by handing over adjudication to officials in the Mamlatdar and Collector offices. Parties may not receive proper justice under such a system,” Rabari said.

He also expressed concern about the impact on junior lawyers, arguing that removing lawyers from rent-related proceedings could affect their professional opportunities.

The protest caused confusion at Surat court premises on Wednesday as several litigants arrived unaware of the late-morning decision. According to Rabari, those already present were informed and asked to return home.

“District bar associations across Gujarat have resolved to abstain from work for three days. Since the decision was taken at 11 am, many litigants had already reached court. From tomorrow, people will be aware of the protest,” he said.

The association has submitted its representation to the Principal District Judge and plans to continue its judicial non-cooperation during the protest period. The move has brought the legal fraternity’s concerns over the new rent dispute-resolution framework into sharper focus.