The Gujarat High Court has decided to go ahead with its A4-size paper requirement for documents filed before district courts across the state, despite objections raised by lawyers.
In a circular issued on August 7, the High Court superseded its earlier notification dated April 15 while retaining the requirement for petitions, appeals, applications, pleadings, orders and judgments to follow a uniform A4 format. The revised rules will come into effect from August 10, 2026.
Under the new guidelines, documents covered by the rule must be printed on A4-size paper measuring 29.7 cm by 21 cm, with a minimum thickness of 75 GSM. Printing will be required on both sides of the paper.
The prescribed format also specifies margins of 4 cm on the left and right sides and 2 cm at the top and bottom.
For English-language documents, Times New Roman in font size 14 has been suggested. For Gujarati documents, the High Court has suggested Lohit Gujarati, Noto Sans Gujarati or Noto Serif Gujarati in size 13.
Other Gujarati fonts allowed
The High Court has clarified that the Gujarati fonts listed in the circular are only recommendations and are not mandatory. Lawyers and litigants can use other comparable Gujarati fonts while complying with the prescribed document format.
Several documents kept outside rule
The A4 requirement will not apply to several categories of documents, including pre-printed and handwritten applications for adjournment, exemption and bail submitted when an accused is produced before the court. Documents relating to the execution of bail bonds have also been excluded.
The exemption list further covers police papers, charge sheets, police reports, FSL reports, reports submitted by other institutions and authorities, vakalatnamas, separate affidavits, undertakings, pursis, original documents, plans and maps. The revised circular will be applicable across the state’s district judiciary from August 10, 2026.