The Gauhati High Court Bar Association has decided to boycott the proposed foundation stone laying ceremony for the new High Court building scheduled to be held on January 11 at Rangmahal in North Guwahati. The decision was taken in continuation of a resolution adopted at the Association's Emergent Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held on January 6.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Bar Association reiterated its consistent opposition to the proposed shifting of the Principal Seat of the Gauhati High Court from its present location. It stated that this position has been repeatedly reflected in earlier resolutions as well as in a referendum conducted among its members.

“In view of the resolution of the General Body, the Association has decided to abstain from participating in the proposed Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony,” the press release said. The Bar Association has also appealed to all its members to honour the collective decision and refrain from attending or participating in the programme “in any manner whatsoever”, emphasising the need to maintain unity, discipline, and institutional dignity.

As a peaceful and democratic form of protest, the Association further announced that it will observe a hunger strike on January 8, 9, and 11. The hunger strike will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in front of the old building of the Gauhati High Court, near Gate No. 4.

The Bar Association clarified that adherence to resolutions passed by the General Body is an essential component of institutional discipline. The press release was issued to formally place on record the considered and collective stand of the Bar against the proposed relocation plan.

The press release was signed by Kamal Nayan Choudhury, President, and Girin Pegu, Secretary General of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association.