Gauhati High Court Bar Association Protests New Judicial City Plans

The Gauhati High Court Bar Association has initiated a protest against the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new judicial city in Amingaon. They oppose the relocation of the High Court from its central location, claiming the government made a unilateral decision. The GHCBA plans to challenge this decision legally and has organized a hunger strike as part of their demonstrations. The state government aims to develop the Brahmaputra riverfront, which requires the current High Court land. This ongoing conflict raises questions about the future of judicial infrastructure in Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 11, 2026, 12:45 IST

Protest Against Judicial City Foundation Ceremony

Guwahati, Jan 11: On Sunday, the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) initiated a four-hour strike to protest the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new judicial city in Amingaon, located in North Guwahati.

The proposed new complex for the Gauhati High Court is part of a judicial township at Rangmahal, where Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, is expected to lay the foundation stone later today.

“We are firmly opposed to the relocation of the High Court from its current site, which is central to the city. Our hunger strike will run from 10 am to 2 pm, and none of our members will participate in the ceremony,” stated GHCBA vice-president Santanu Borthakur.

The Bar Association has consistently voiced its opposition to the court's relocation, claiming that the government has made a unilateral decision to proceed with the new judicial infrastructure.

“It seems the foundation stone will be laid today. Following this, we are contemplating legal action against the decision. Our executive committee will convene in the coming days to determine our next steps,” Borthakur added.

The GHCBA has been vocal against the proposed move of the High Court complex from its existing location in central Guwahati to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra.

This hunger strike is part of a series of protests organized by GHCBA members against the relocation. Previously, advocates conducted a four-hour hunger strike in front of the old Gauhati High Court building on Thursday and Friday.

In response, Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia criticized the GHCBA on Saturday, suggesting that there is a “nexus with political parties” behind the protests.

The state government intends to build the new judicial township at Rangmahal on approximately 148 bighas, or nearly 49 acres, of land. In November, the Assam cabinet approved Rs 479 crore for the project's initial phase.

Previously, the GHCBA had called for an immediate halt to the project, emphasizing the interests of stakeholders and the general public.

The Gauhati High Court is currently situated in the Uzan Bazar area of central Guwahati on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra. The complex features a historic building alongside a modern multi-storey structure that was inaugurated a few years ago.

Both buildings are located opposite each other on Mahatma Gandhi Road and are linked by an underground tunnel equipped with escalators.

The Assam government aims to develop the Brahmaputra riverfront, which necessitates the use of the High Court land. Additionally, a new convention center is being constructed adjacent to the old High Court complex along the riverbank.