Gauhati High Court Bar Association Opposes Relocation of Court Complex to North Guwahati

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) on Thursday strongly opposed the Assam government's decision to relocate the high court from its current location in the heart of Guwahati city to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra.

The GHCBA held an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the government's recent move to shift the Gauhati High Court to Rangmahal in North Guwahati. "This move has been met with unanimous opposition from the legal fraternity, citing concerns over accessibility, infrastructure, and the lack of consultation with stakeholders," the Bar Association stated in a press release.

The association pointed out that despite prior assurances from the Chief Minister that the relocation would not take place until the completion of the ongoing bridge construction over the Brahmaputra, which will connect the southern and northern banks, the government has proceeded with land acquisition for the proposed judicial township at Rangmahal.

Additionally, the GHCBA noted that there had been a commitment from the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court to involve the Bar Association in such decisions, but this was not done in the case of the relocation. "The GHCBA condemns this unilateral action, emphasising that the relocation to a remote area lacking adequate infrastructure will significantly impede the efficiency of legal proceedings and adversely affect litigants and legal professionals," it added.

The association has demanded an immediate halt to the project, citing the interests of all stakeholders and the public. "The General Body resolved to escalate their opposition to the highest echelons of the judiciary and executive, seeking immediate consultations with the chief minister and the chief justice to present their case against the relocation," the statement said.

The GHCBA reiterated its commitment to pursuing democratic and lawful avenues to contest the decision, in collaboration with the advisory committee, to protect the interests of the legal community and the public.

Currently, the High Court is located in the Uzan Bazar area of central Guwahati, on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra. The Assam government plans to develop the riverfront of the Brahmaputra, which requires the acquisition of the High Court land.

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