The Gujarat High Court premises in Ahmedabad have become a hotspot for a growing safety crisis, with advocates and litigants facing an increasing threat from aggressive stray dogs. The situation has prompted the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association (GHCAA) to urgently appeal to the Chief Justice for immediate intervention.
Escalating Incidents Prompt Formal Complaint
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the GHCAA, led by its President and Senior Advocate Yatin Oza, submitted a formal representation to Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal. This action came a day after a practicing lawyer, Radhesh Vyas, suffered a severe dog bite on the court campus on Monday, January 5, 2025.
According to the letter, Vyas's injury was so serious that he required hospital treatment, including stitches and a total of eight injections. Oza highlighted that this was not an isolated event, citing four or five instances of dog bites on litigants in December alone. He stated that the overall situation has "worsened and gone out of control."
A Pattern of Harassment and Near-Misses
The association's complaint details several alarming encounters that have created an atmosphere of fear. One advocate reported being surrounded by four stray dogs inside the chamber building itself. Yatin Oza himself has witnessed dogs roaming freely outside the open area of the Honorable First Court.
The letter references multiple complaints from other advocates who have had "a narrow and near escape." This persistent threat has led to "a lot of discontent and anger" among the bar members, who fear for the physical safety of not only themselves but also litigants and support staff working within the High Court complex.
Call for Action and Past Hurdles
In his representation, Oza earnestly requested the Chief Justice to direct the campus director or a designated officer to ensure that stray dogs are removed from the High Court campus at the earliest. This plea follows a similar letter sent by former GHCAA president Advocate Brijesh Trivedi on November 10 of the previous year, which cited a Supreme Court direction from November 7 for the removal of stray dogs from public places.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Oza revealed a significant obstacle to resolving the issue. He mentioned that in the past, some animal lover members of the Association had physically obstructed and attacked Municipal Corporation officials attempting to take action against the strays. In response to this, Oza has issued a video message warning that he will initiate strict action, including being the first informant, against anyone who indulges in such obstructive behavior now.
Oza further disclosed that after making his representation, he learned of another recent incident where an advocate suffered a dog bite on campus but escaped with minor injuries. He emphasized that the safety of advocates is paramount and vowed to take the matter "to its logical conclusion." The legal community now awaits decisive administrative action to reclaim the safety of the High Court premises.
