Objections to a New Gujarat High Court Rule on Senior Advocate Undertakings

Senior Advocate Yatin Oza has formally objected to Rule 5 of the newly notified Gujarat High Court (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2025, specifically the clause mandating that designated senior advocates submit a written undertaking. The undertaking would require them to refrain from drafting pleadings, directly advising clients, filing vakalatnamas, accepting briefs, or seeking adjournments. In a letter dated 19 September 2025, addressed to Brijesh Trivedi (President of the Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association), Oza urged deletion of this “undertaking” requirement, arguing it undermines traditional roles of senior advocates. He has asked the GHCAA to take up the matter with the Chief Justice. The GHCAA has indicated it will convene a meeting with senior advocates to consider the concerns. The rule is seen by opposers as restricting senior advocates to an advisory-only function and limiting their professional autonomy.