Following extensive discussions between the Surat Bar Association and the Bench regarding an alternative site for the Surat District Court complex instead of Jiyav-Budiya, Chief District Sessions Judge R. T. Vachani has directed officials to decide on the site of Bhimpore (Dumas) or Bhatha (Pal) within seven days.
The Surat Lawyers Association, represented by President Uday Patel and office bearers, presented documentary evidence supporting the lawyers' rejection of the Jiav-Budiya site. They also discussed the allocation of land in Bhimpore. Vice President Abhishek Shah and Secretary Ashwin Patel suggested Bhatha village on the banks of Tapi near the city.
Women advocate Preeti Jignesh Joshi emphasized that Bhatha's central location and proximity to the city make it the best choice for the court building. She highlighted the convenience of transportation to Bhatha, with frequent bus and auto services available, ensuring a short commute.
Advocate Darshan Nayak noted existing opposition among lawyers to the Jiav Budiya site and suggested that Bhatha's proximity, just five kilometers from the current court building via cable-stayed bridge or Pal Umra Bridge, would be more acceptable. The Pal Bhatha area is rapidly developing and is within urban limits, with government offices and most lawyers' offices nearby.
Senior Advocate Kalpesh Desai highlighted the suitability of Bhatha's location, being close to the present court building and convenient for all stakeholders. He emphasized that shifting the court to Jiav Budiya would create difficulties for lawyers, litigants, court staff, and the police department, making Bhatha the preferred choice between Dumas-Bhimpore and Pal-Bhatha.
