The Assam government’s plan to relocate the Gauhati High Court to Rangmahal in North Guwahati has sparked fierce opposition from the legal fraternity, ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony scheduled for January 11. Lawyers argue that the decision was taken unilaterally without adequate consultation and threatens to disrupt judicial accessibility.

The proposed move aims to develop a modern judicial infrastructure with new courtrooms, judges’ residences, administrative offices, and parking facilities. Officials cited space constraints at the existing Uzanbazar premises and rising case loads as reasons for the relocation across the Brahmaputra.

However, the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) has opposed the plan, claiming that the current complex can be upgraded and expanded. Lawyers warn that moving the court will create logistical challenges for litigants, staff, and the legal community, including daily commuting difficulties and higher costs.

Also Read: Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo Takes Oath as New Chief Justice of Patna High Court

To protest the government’s decision, the Bar Association has launched a three-day agitation starting January 8, including a hunger strike and demonstrations at the existing High Court building. They have also resolved to boycott all activities related to the foundation stone ceremony, urging members not to participate.

Senior advocate Shantanu Borthakur noted that an internal vote among lawyers showed overwhelming resistance, with around 1,200 advocates opposing the move. He stressed that the government’s disregard for stakeholder input undermines judicial independence and called for continued protests if concerns remain unaddressed.

The GHCBA has reiterated that if the government proceeds without resolving these issues, they will intensify agitation and seek legal remedy, emphasizing that the relocation could compromise accessibility, infrastructure readiness, and institutional autonomy of the High Court.

Also Read: Supreme Court Hands RG Kar Trainee Doctor Case to Calcutta High Court