Gujarat HC Adjourns Suo Moto Contempt Proceedings Against Yatin Oza Till Aug 17 [Read Order]

Oza had tendered an unconditional apology for his remarks against the High Court and its Registry. However, the bench comprising Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice NV Anjaria has adjourned the matter till Monday, August 17.

The Court has granted time to the intervener to place his application before the Registry, claiming to bring certain "additional material/documents" on record. He has also been directed to share the application with the Respondents.

The Court noted that since the application is not available on record, the matter may be adjourned.

During a live conference on Facebook last month, attended by various journalists, Oza alleged that the HC registry was following corrupt practises, and that the cases of only the rich and powerful were being listed and heard.

Taking strong exception to such "irresponsible, sensational and intemperate" remarks, the HC had taken contempt proceedings against him observing that Oza had, with frivolous grounds and unverified facts, targeted the HC Registry and had questioned the very credibility of High Court Administration.

He had challenged the contempt proceedings before the Supreme Court, which refused to interfere in the matter.

During the pendency of contempt proceedings, the Full Court of the Gujarat High Court decided to review and recall the decision taken on October 25, 1999 to designate Oza as Senior Advocate. The decision was taken under Rule 26 of the High Court of Gujarat (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules 2018.

Assailing this decision, Oza had moved the Top Court, seeking that the Full Court notification taking away his designation be set aside and Rule 26 of the HC Rules be declared as ultra vires.

Before the Supreme Court, Oza offered to make an unconditional apology to the HC for his remarks against it. Taking note of this, the Supreme Court deferred the hearing of his petition challenging the HC decision for two weeks, expressing the hope that the High Court will consider Oza's representation in the meantime.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order