The Central government has announced that Justice Biren Aniruddh Vaishnav will serve as the Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court from March 20 to March 31, 2025, while Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal is on leave once again.
“In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Biren Aniruddh Vaishnav, Judge of the Gujarat High Court, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court during the period of absence of the Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court, who is proceeding on leave from 20.03.2025 up to 31.03.2025,” read the official resolution issued by the government.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that Justice Vaishnav has stepped in as Acting Chief Justice. Last month, he had assumed the role from February 18 to March 2 while Chief Justice Agarwal was on leave to attend a family function.
The frequent absence of Chief Justice Agarwal has coincided with growing concerns within the Gujarat High Court’s legal community. Last month, the Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association (GHCAA) passed a resolution calling for her transfer to another High Court. The move was prompted by a series of controversies, including abrupt changes in judges’ rosters and open conflicts between Chief Justice Agarwal and senior lawyers.
“The House further resolves to take appropriate steps, including seeking the transfer of the Hon’ble Chief Justice within the framework of law, to ensure that the faith of the litigants and the public is restored and that such practices do not recur in the future,” stated the GHCAA’s General Body resolution.
