Gauhati Lawyers Protest Against Court Relocation with Hunger Strike
Gauhati High Court Bar Association's Protest
Guwahati, Jan 8: Members of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) initiated a three-day hunger strike on Thursday, protesting the government's decision to relocate the court complex to Amingaon in North Guwahati.
The hunger strike, spearheaded by GHCBA president KN Choudhury, commenced at 10 am outside the old Gauhati High Court building, following a resolution made during an urgent Extra-Ordinary General meeting on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the GHCBA emphasized that this hunger strike is a peaceful and democratic expression of their stance.
The protest will continue on January 9 and 11, with the GHCBA also opting out of the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new judicial complex scheduled for January 11 at Rangmahal in Amingaon.
The association urged all members of the Bar to respect and adhere to this collective decision.
The GHCBA has strongly opposed the relocation of the high court complex from its current location in central Guwahati to the northern bank of the Brahmaputra.
The government plans to establish a new judicial township at Rangmahal, covering an area of 129 bighas (over 42.5 acres).
In November, the state cabinet approved an initial budget of Rs 479 crore for the construction of this judicial township in North Guwahati.
Previously, the GHCBA had called for an immediate halt to the project, citing concerns for all stakeholders and the public.
Currently, the Gauhati High Court is situated in the Uzan Bazar area of central Guwahati on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra.
The court features a historic building alongside a modern multi-storey structure that was inaugurated a few years ago.
Both buildings are positioned across from 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, necessitating the acquisition of the high court's land.