Advocates vs Government: Shifting Of Gauhati High Court to North Guwahati

• Image Credit: internet

• Jan 10, 2025 | Kabita Pathak

The advocates argue that relocating the High Court will cause significant difficulties for them and for the general public as well…

Digital Desk: On Thursday, January 9th, during a press meet, members of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association came out vehemently against the relocation of the high court. In the press meeting, President KN Choudhury e pressed strong opposition to the government's decision to transfer the High Court to North Guwahati; he stated that the Government made this decision unilaterally without any  consultation with anyone.

When the advocates protested, the Chief Minister assured that no decision would be made until a survey had been done and consultation with the advocates once the bridge was constructed.

 
However, the above decision has been made without consulting the advocate community in any way whatsoever.

Key Points Highlighted in the Press Meet:
 
1. Land Acquisition in Rangmahal, North Guwahati:
 
Rangmahal is deserted and lacks facility infrastructure and thus ought not to be considered as housing such an important institution.

2. Historical Significance of the Current HC Location:
 
As stated above there are no sound reasons justifying the present location of Guwahati HC, this place has immense historical significance.In essence, the advocate community will be dragged into deep water whenever Relocating the HC is implemented as displayed next.

3. Democratic Protest:
 
The association has vowed to fight this decision to the bitter end and will continue to proclaim itself through democracy.“This decision only indicates vested interests,” said Advocate Arup Borbora.

 
Statements by Senior Advocates:-
 
Advocate Arup Borbora:“HC cannot be shifted anywhere without consulting us,”.The decision has been made without involving the people, something that incomplete before even beginning, as they say, putting the cart before the horse.
 
Government has spent ₹100 crore for the new HC building, and now it’s a sudden decision to shift the new building. 

Advocate Mrinal Choudhury:
 Lambasting
the decision as authoritarian, he said, “This Cabinet decision seems to be a
personal discretion contrary to the Cabinet’s one. Where there is no public
interest. the decision as authoritarian, he said, “This Cabinet decision seems to be a
personal discretion contrary to the Cabinet’s one. Where there is no public interest.

Senior Advocate Anil Choudhury:
 
Cabinet’s decision is not the sole truth of the matter. It should be remembered that simply because the Chief Minister made a claim it is not beyond reasonable criticism. It should be taken from the public and the issue should be taken to the Assembly.”He also said that come first shift Dispur to North Guwahati
before the HC. The essential question arises that if Divyangs and common people cannot reach the new location, how it is a feasible decision?

Challenges in Rangmahal:
 
Building a judicial city in Rangmahal involves the acquisition of 250 bighas of land which will most probably be stringent with locals.

 
Constitutional Concerns:
 
Issues related to the Supreme Court are only decided by the Chief Justice of India in the country. As well, it is wrong for the Chief Minister to have powers in appointments concerning the HC; it should be the exclusive preserve of the Chief Justice of the High Court. “The Chief Minister has gone out of his way,” said a senior advocate.

In conclusion, the association urged transparency, accountability, and engagement of all stake holders in deciding of such magnitude. They said the government has no reason to behave like a bulldozer that does not care about people’s interest and democracy.