Lawyers stir off till 21 August

In the wake of assurances by the Gujarat high court to look into the lawyers' demands and to transfer the district and sessions judge, RP Dholaria, the lawyers on a strike in Surat on Saturday has decided to put off their stir for three weeks.

The decision to defer the strike till August 21 was taken during the general board meeting of Surat District Bar Association (SDBA) this afternoon, which was attended by over 200 members of the association.

During the meeting, SDBA president Mahendrasinh Atodaria gave details about Friday's meeting with high court unit judge, RR Tripathi, and incharge registrar general, SG Gokani, to the lawyers. Following discussions, it was unanimously decided to defer the strike by three weeks.

“The high court representatives assured to actively consider our demand to transfer judge RP Dholaria, and also set a timeframe of two to three weeks,” said Atodaria, adding that in view of this development, the lawyers have decided to defer the strike and other forms of agitation to August 21.

However, Atodaria warned that if a decision is not taken till then, the lawyers would hold another meeting on August 24 to decide the future course of their agitation. A senior member of SDBA said the matter will reach an end only if high court recalls sessions judge, RP Dholaria.

The lawyers were on strike from Wednesday, to press demands for the transfer of judge Dholaria, who they accuse of ignoring and humiliating them. However, courts are expected to function as usual from Monday.