Gujarat HC amends circular, two-day lawyers’ strike ends

The Gujarat High Court has amended its controversial circular on court filings, bringing relief to lawyers across the state who had opposed strict requirements related to A4-size paper, prescribed fonts and handwritten applications.According to media reports, following the High Court’s decision to address most of their concerns, the Surat District Bar Association has called off its two-day strike. Lawyers are expected to resume court work from Monday, with the association saying around 90% of its demands have been accepted.
The controversy arose after the High Court’s modified circular, issued on April 15 and made effective from August 1, mandated uniform use of A4-size paper and specified formatting for pleadings, petitions, affidavits, applications, appeals and other court documents.Under the rules, filings were required to use 75 GSM A4 paper, printing on both sides, specified Gujarati and English fonts, prescribed font sizes, line spacing and margins. Lawyers across the state raised concerns that the requirements were difficult to implement, particularly in rural and tribal districts where adequate computers, fonts, printing facilities and digital infrastructure are not readily available.
The Bar Council of Gujarat had also approached Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal seeking reconsideration of the circular and requested a six-month transition period, according to sources.It highlighted difficulties in preparing urgent applications such as bail bonds, exemption and adjournment applications, where handwritten particulars or endorsements may be required during court proceedings.The council had also sought permission for continued use of legal-size paper, typewritten documents and handwritten applications, particularly for urgent matters during the transition period.
The High Court has now amended the disputed provisions, providing relief on the requirements concerning A4 paper, fonts and handwritten applications. The decision has prompted lawyers to withdraw their protest and return to regular court work.