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Supreme Court suspends GHCAA president's conviction in abeyance, directs periodic High Court review
On May 11, 2026, the Supreme Court suspended the conviction and sentence of GHCAA president Oza under Article 142, keeping the High Court's 2020 verdict in abeyance and directing periodic two-year reviews of his conduct. The decision preserves the earlier conviction while indefinitely staying execution, amid a history of friction between Oza and the judiciary.
Why It Matters
The ruling affects leadership of the GHCAA and shows how judiciary can manage disciplinary actions against senior advocates while maintaining ongoing scrutiny.
Timeline
7 Events
Supreme Court judgment suspends conviction and sentence; directs periodic review
May 11, 2026
In a judgment pronounced on May 11, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the High Court to undertake a periodic review of the appellant's conduct at two-year intervals, and suspended the conviction as well as the sentence indefinitely under Article 142; it also continued the suspension of the sentence.
Oza elected GHCAA president for the 19th time
December 20, 2025
Mr. Oza was elected as the GHCAA president for the 19th time on December 20, 2025.
Full court finds Oza's behaviour unbecoming
April 15, 2024
The Gujarat High Court full court, after reviewing a video clip, stated that Mr. Oza's behaviour was 'unbecoming of a senior advocate' and that his remarks were intended to 'browbeat the court'.
Oza accuses presiding judge of 'forum shopping'
April 9, 2024
During a writ petition hearing, Mr. Oza allegedly accused the presiding judge of 'forum shopping'.
Supreme Court restores gown for probationary period
January 1, 2022
The Supreme Court, invoking Article 142, restored Mr. Oza's gown for a two-year probationary period starting January 1, 2022, calling it his 'one more and last chance'.
Gujarat High Court convicts Oza; 60-day sentence suspension
October 6, 2020
On October 6, 2020, the Gujarat High Court convicted Mr. Oza; the execution of the sentence was suspended for 60 days, with the suspension later extended by the Supreme Court to continue.
Gujarat High Court strips GHCAA president Oza of senior designation
July 2020
The Gujarat High Court stripped Mr. Oza of his senior designation.