The legal landscape of Guwahati is poised for a significant transformation as plans emerge to relocate the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court to the erstwhile Police Commissionerate office. While official confirmations remain pending, sources within the Public Works Department (PWD) have indicated that a tender has been prepared for this purpose. This development has sparked discussions among legal professionals, especially in light of recent opposition to the proposed relocation of the Gauhati High Court to North Guwahati.
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According to reliable sources within the PWD, there are intentions to shift the CJM Court to the old Police Commissionerate premises. However, detailed information regarding the specifics of this plan has not been publicly disclosed. An official tender has reportedly been formulated, signaling a move towards initiating the relocation process.
A member of the Bar Association, speaking to GPlus, expressed the association's awareness of the proposed move: "We have heard about it and are now discussing within the association. But, we are not sure whether it is a permanent or temporary setup." This statement underscores the uncertainty surrounding the nature and permanence of the proposed relocation.
The current discussions are set against a backdrop of recent protests by members of the Bar Association, advocates, and lawyers against the decision to shift the Gauhati High Court to North Guwahati. The Assam government's proposal to relocate the High Court to Rangmahal in North Guwahati has been met with unanimous opposition from the legal fraternity, citing concerns over accessibility, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of stakeholder consultation.
In January 2025, the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) convened an extraordinary general meeting to address the government's decision. The association emphasised that relocating the High Court to a remote area lacking adequate infrastructure would disrupt legal proceedings, create logistical challenges, and adversely impact litigants, lawyers, and the judiciary as a whole. Despite prior assurances from the Chief Minister that no relocation would occur until the completion of the ongoing bridge construction over the Brahmaputra River, the government proceeded with land acquisition for the proposed judicial township at Rangmahal. This unilateral action was condemned by the GHCBA, which demanded an immediate halt to the project in the interest of all stakeholders and the public at large.
The proposed relocation of the CJM Court to the old Police Commissionerate office raises several critical issues. Foremost among these are concerns related to accessibility and infrastructure. The current location of the CJM Court is strategically situated to serve the populace efficiently. Moving it to a different location, especially one not originally designed for judicial functions, could pose challenges for litigants, legal practitioners, and court staff.
A senior advocate, preferring to remain anonymous, commented, "The relocation of the CJM Court to a building not purpose-built for judicial proceedings may lead to operational inefficiencies. Courtrooms require specific infrastructural setups to ensure the smooth administration of justice."
The relocation could have far-reaching implications for the administration of justice in Guwahati. The efficiency of legal proceedings may be compromised if the new premises are not adequately equipped to handle the volume and nature of cases typically managed by the CJM Court. Additionally, any disruption during the transition period could lead to delays in case hearings, thereby affecting the timely delivery of justice.
A recurring theme in the opposition to the High Court's relocation is the lack of consultation with key stakeholders, including the Bar Association and the judiciary. The current situation with the CJM Court appears to mirror this concern. Transparent communication and involvement of all relevant parties are essential to ensure that any relocation serves the best interests of the justice system and the public it serves.
The GHCBA has previously emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement. In their opposition to the High Court's relocation, they highlighted that such significant decisions should not be made unilaterally without consulting those directly affected. This principle is equally applicable to the proposed CJM Court relocation.
The Gauhati High Court has been functioning from its current location since 1948, with the building constructed in 1951. To address the need for additional space, a new annex building was inaugurated in 2013 at an approximate cost of about Rs 100 crore. This historical context underscores the importance of careful planning and consultation in any proposed relocation of judicial institutions.
The proposed relocation of the CJM Court, coupled with the earlier contentious proposal to move the High Court, reflects a period of transition and potential upheaval in Guwahati's judicial infrastructure. It is imperative that authorities consider the broader implications of such moves, including the potential for setting precedents that could affect future decisions regarding judicial infrastructure and administration.
The plans to relocate the CJM Court to the former Police Commissionerate office have ignited discussions and concerns among legal professionals in Guwahati. Drawing from recent experiences with the proposed High Court relocation, it is evident that any such move requires meticulous planning, comprehensive stakeholder consultation, and a clear understanding of the infrastructural and operational needs of judicial institutions. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed to ensure the continued efficient administration of justice in the region.
