Lawyers’ associations in Gujarat have announced a four-day protest against the Gujarat Rent Bill, 2026, and decided to abstain from court work from September 30 to October 3 if their demand for withdrawal of the legislation is not addressed.
A joint extraordinary general meeting of the Ahmedabad Bar Association and Ahmedabad Small Cause Court Bar Association was held on September 29 at the City Civil and Sessions Court complex. Following discussions on the legislation, the associations unanimously passed a resolution opposing the bill.
Lawyers raise concerns over proposed rent law
Representatives of the Ahmedabad District Bar Association, Metropolitan Court Bar Association, Family Court Bar Association and Bar Council of Gujarat, along with senior advocates and members of the two associations, attended the meeting.
The lawyers said the bill could affect the rights and interests of citizens and raised concerns over the proposed role of administrative authorities in rent-related disputes.
They argued that the proposed framework could reduce the role of the judiciary and increase the involvement of government officials in resolving disputes between landlords and tenants. The associations also said the existing workload of government officials could make it difficult for them to effectively handle such matters.
The lawyers further argued that the proposed system could create difficulties for landlords and tenants seeking timely resolution of disputes.
The Gujarat Assembly passed the Gujarat Rent Bill, 2026 unanimously on September 11. The legislation provides for written rental agreements, a three-tier dispute-resolution system involving Rent Authorities, Rent Courts and Rent Tribunals, and a three-month cap on security deposits.
Lawyers demand withdrawal of bill
The lawyers have demanded that the Gujarat government withdraw the bill. As part of their campaign, the associations plan to organise public-awareness programmes across Gujarat and use the media to highlight their objections to the legislation.
Delegations are also expected to meet the Chief Minister, Law Minister and Governor to submit representations seeking withdrawal of the bill.
Court work to remain suspended from September 30
The associations have decided that if the bill is not withdrawn or their proposed amendments are not incorporated, lawyers will suspend court work from September 30 to October 3.
The protest programme includes a proposed ban on entry into court buildings, sit-ins and hunger strikes, with the associations indicating that the agitation could be intensified during the period.
The Ahmedabad Bar Association and Ahmedabad Small Cause Court Bar Association have also appealed to lawyers’ associations across Gujarat and the Bar Council of Gujarat to join and support the protest.