GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned from the Gauhati High Court Bar Association on April 29, citing a moral conflict with the association’s stance against the proposed Judicial Township at Rangmahal in North Guwahati. The resignation comes amid growing debate over the relocation of the High Court from its current premises in the city centre.
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During an election campaign, Sarma acknowledged the growing divide regarding proposed Judicial Township at Rangmahal, stating there was a conflict of opinion and he could not support the Bar’s demand to stop the new complex.
In a letter addressed to the Bar Association’s president, Sarma underlined the urgent requirement for modern judicial infrastructure. He pointed to critical issues including lack of space, inadequate parking, and the absence of basic amenities at the existing High Court complex. With the number of judges expected to increase from 22 to 30, Sarma argued that the current facilities would be unable to cope.
Referring to his years as a practising advocate from 1994 to 2001, Sarma wrote that the present infrastructure has failed to meet contemporary needs. He said junior lawyers continue to face challenges due to cramped conditions and limited workspace, which are made worse by the demands of modern legal technology.
Defending the state government’s decision to allocate over ₹1000 crore for the new judicial complex, Sarma stated that the move follows the 2023 recommendation of the Full Court. He added that the selection of Rangmahal as the site was made by a High-Powered Committee in consultation with the Chief Justice and approved by the Full Court. He rejected claims that the location was chosen for political reasons.
Sarma maintained that the new township would ultimately serve the legal fraternity more effectively. He highlighted upcoming infrastructure developments — including a bridge connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati and a new ring road — which are expected to reduce travel time to the new complex. As part of the transition, Sarma proposed that the current High Court buildings be converted into a judicial museum to preserve their historical value.
