Gauhati, June 27, 2023 – The Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) has taken a firm stand against the Assam government's proposal to relocate the High Court and other courts in and around Guwahati to a single site on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. In a resolute display of dissent, the GHCBA has organized a sit-in protest today, voicing their concerns over the potential ramifications of the proposed move.

Senior Advocate Mrinal Kumar Choudhury, the President of GHCBA, confirmed the association's decision to stage the sit-in demonstration, which is scheduled to take place from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The primary objective of the protest is to express opposition to the proposed shifting of the High Court and the formation of a high-level committee to facilitate this relocation.

Expressing their disapproval, the GHCBA has addressed a memorandum to the President of India, the Chief Justice of India, the Union Law Minister, and the Assam Chief Minister, outlining their reservations regarding the proposed move. The memorandum highlights concerns about the distance between the current and proposed court sites, emphasizing the significant commuting time and potential traffic congestion that may arise, particularly due to the concentration of lawyers and litigants at a single location.

Furthermore, the GHCBA asserts that the proposed site for the new judicial city in North Guwahati's Rangmahal area lacks the necessary infrastructure. They also raise doubts regarding the construction company entrusted with building the new bridge, citing previous incidents where a bridge under the company's supervision collapsed. The association questions the haste and unilateral decision-making process employed, expressing apprehension about the impact on the independence and autonomy of the judiciary.

Of particular concern to the GHCBA is the adverse effect the relocation may have on young and female lawyers, as well as litigants who will face increased travel time and potential inconvenience. The association emphasizes that the move was not demanded by any bar associations and warns of potential delays and congestion that could hamper the justice delivery system.

The Gauhati High Court, which has been operational since 1951, currently stands as a symbol of legal tradition and history in the region. While the proposed relocation may aim to streamline court operations, the GHCBA's protest underscores the significant reservations held by legal professionals regarding the potential repercussions of such a move.

As the sit-in protest unfolds, the Gauhati High Court Bar Association makes a powerful statement against the proposed shifting of the High Court and other court complexes, challenging the authorities to reconsider the decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with the legal fraternity before making any irreversible changes.