Gauhati High Court Bar Association Asks Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma To Reconsider Resignation From Bar Body

The Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) on Thursday (May 1) wrote to the Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma requesting him to reconsider and withdraw his resignation from membership of GHCBA in the larger interest of the institution and the legal fraternity.

The bar body's response comes after the Chief Minister wrote to the President GHCBA on Wednesday resigning from membership of the bar body, following GHCBA's stand to oppose the proposal to shift the High Court from Guwahati to Rangmahal in the Kamrup (Rural) District on the Northern Bank of Brahmaputra river.

In its letter the GHCBA has said:

“After detailed deliberation, the Executive Committee has unanimously resolved to humbly urge Your Honour to kindly reconsider and withdraw the said resignation in the larger interest of the institution and the legal fraternity. It is a matter of immense pride and distinction for the Gauhati High Court Bar Association that a member of our Bar currently holds the highest executive office in the State.While we understand that your resignation is premised on the concern of a perceived 'conflict of interest,' we are of the respectful view that such apprehension, though founded on principle, may not necessitate dissociation from the Association—especially considering the deep institutional connection and the inspiration your continued membership provides to the legal community.”

The letter states that the bar body has noted the sincere concern's raised by the CM in his letter regarding the infrastructural limitations of the present High Court premises and his commitment to resolving these issues through developmental initiatives exceeding Rs.1000 crores, despite the financial constraints of the State.

The GHCBA has put the following "suggestions" for consideration before the CM:

(1) The new annexe building at the existing High Court complex may be extended towards the riverside, where a sizeable tract of land remains vacant and underutilized.

(2) The current annexe structure, has the capacity for vertical expansion up to seven floors, which could accommodate the additional courtrooms and required facilities without the need for additional land acquisition.

(3) With meticulous planning and phased implementation, the infrastructural requirements may be addressed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs.70 crores, thereby potentially saving nearly Rs. 900 crores from the projected expenditure—funds which could be prudently redirected towards other critical areas, including welfare measures for the legal fraternity.

Furthermore, given the growing socio-economic challenges faced by the members of the Bar, particularly junior and senior advocates, the GHCBA submitted the following proposals for consideration:

(i) Allocation of Rs.10 (ten) crores in the upcoming State Budget towards a stipend scheme for junior advocates (up to 5 years of practice) enrolled with the Gauhati High Court Bar Association, to support them in the formative years of their profession.

(ii) Creation of a corpus of Rs.10 crores to provide pensionary benefits to senior members of the Bar upon attaining the age of 65, in recognition of their dedicated service to the cause of justice.

(iii) Earmarking of Rs. 10 crores for instituting a comprehensive health insurance scheme for all members of the Association and their dependent family members, ensuring access to essential and quality healthcare.

“Your continued association with the Bar would be a source of strength and unity and would send a strong message of institutional continuity, dignity, and inclusiveness.We therefore earnestly appeal to Your Honour to kindly reconsider your decision and continue to remain an esteemed member of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association,” the letter read.

Click here to read letter