GUWAHATI: In a recent press conference, the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) expressed strong opposition to the decision to relocate the Gauhati High Court from Guwahati to Rangmahal in Kamrup (Rural) district on the Northern Bank of river Brahmaputra. The association raised several critical questions regarding the reasoning behind the sudden decision and the potential challenges it poses for lawyers in the region.
One of the primary concerns raised by the GHCBA was the lack of any pressing demand from the public for the relocation of the high court. Unlike the Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta High Courts, which have remained in their respective places for ages, the decision to shift the Gauhati High Court seemed to have been made without any clear rationale. The association questioned the absence of a master plan or vision document and pointed out that many lawyers in Guwahati would face difficulties due to the sudden move.
Moreover, the GHCBA found it disconcerting that there were no discussions held in the Assam Legislative Assembly or cabinet meetings to deliberate on the matter. They argued that such a unilateral decision made without public consensus or legislative involvement may not align with democratic principles. It was revealed that besides the Chief Minister, only Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta was aware of this decision, and it appeared to have been made after consulting only one lawyer.
The association also expressed its reservations about the name "Judicial City," considering it to be somewhat hysterical. This indicated their dissatisfaction with the choice of the new location for the high court.
Another point of contention raised by the GHCBA was the construction of a private international school in Amingaon, which is expected to span a significant area in the coming years. They urged consideration of the land ownership around the school, questioning if any politicians were involved.
The association also shared concerns about the present Chief Justice's lack of recognition of most lawyers in the high court, indicating that this might hinder his understanding of the challenges and struggles they face.
An underlying issue that the GHCBA highlighted was the concentration of institutions in the Chief Minister's constituency. They questioned whether this was a fair distribution of resources and institutions within the state.
The state government's decision to relocate the Gauhati High Court to Rangmahal in North Guwahati has been met with resistance from lawyers, who fear the difficulties of commuting from the city to North Guwahati after years of establishing chambers in Guwahati.
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