Lawyers Protest Shift of High Court to North Guwahati
Members of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) on Thursday launched a three-day hunger strike to protest the Assam government’s decision to relocate the Gauhati High Court complex to North Guwahati.
The protest began at 10 am in front of the historic Uzan Bazar high court building. GHCBA president KN Choudhury is leading the agitation, which lawyers say reflects growing concern among legal professionals and court users.
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Strike to Continue Over Three Days
The hunger strike will continue for six hours each day on Friday and Sunday. The bar association decided on the course of action during an emergency general meeting held on Tuesday.
Following the meeting, the GHCBA issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to a “peaceful and democratic expression” of opposition. The association stressed that the protest aims to protect the interests of advocates, litigants, and the general public.
Bar Association Opposes Shifting Principal Seat
The GHCBA has consistently opposed shifting the principal seat of the Gauhati High Court from its present location in central Guwahati. Lawyers argue that the current site remains accessible and functional for thousands of litigants who visit the court daily.
The association said relocating the court would create logistical challenges for lawyers, court staff, and litigants, particularly those from rural areas. It also raised concerns about increased travel time and costs.
Previous resolutions passed by the bar association, along with a referendum among its members, reaffirmed strong opposition to the move.
Boycott of Foundation Stone Ceremony Announced
In a show of protest, the GHCBA announced it would boycott the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the proposed new high court complex. The ceremony is scheduled for January 11 and will be attended by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
The new judicial township is planned at Rangmahal in North Guwahati. The project will cover 129 bighas, or more than 42.5 acres of land. In November 2025, the Assam cabinet approved ₹479 crore for the first phase of construction.
Government Cites Riverfront Development
The Assam government has defended its decision, stating that the relocation forms part of a larger plan to develop the Brahmaputra riverfront. Officials said the project requires acquisition of the land currently occupied by the high court complex.
The existing high court premises include a historic heritage building opposite a modern multi-storey structure. An underground tunnel equipped with escalators connects the two buildings, making the complex unique in design.
Call to Halt the Project
Despite the government’s justification, the GHCBA has repeatedly urged authorities to halt the relocation project immediately. The association said it remains open to dialogue but will continue its protest until the government reconsiders the decision.
Legal experts and senior advocates have also expressed concern over the impact of the move on judicial functioning and access to justice.
Lawyers Seek Wider Consultation
The bar association has called for broader consultation with stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, and civil society, before any final decision. It argued that such a major shift should occur only after consensus-building.
The hunger strike marks a significant escalation in the standoff between the legal fraternity and the state government over the future of the Gauhati High Court.
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