Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has resigned from the Gauhati High Court Bar Association amid an ongoing row over the proposed Judicial Township project near the Assam capital. Sarma, who is a registered member of the Bar and a former legal practitioner, submitted his resignation in the wake of growing tension between the legal fraternity and the state government.
The resignation letter, submitted earlier this week, marks a dramatic turn in the ongoing standoff between the government and members of the Bar Association, who have strongly opposed the government’s decision to shift the Gauhati High Court and residential quarters to a new “Judicial Township” at Ranaganagar on the outskirts of Guwahati.
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What Led to the Controversy
The root of the conflict lies in the Assam government’s plan to relocate the Gauhati High Court complex and associated residential quarters from the heart of Guwahati to a proposed 100-acre Judicial Township. The state claims the move is aimed at decongesting the city, modernizing judicial infrastructure, and providing a centralized legal zone with modern amenities.
However, many lawyers have criticized the proposal, calling it impractical, inconvenient, and unnecessary. According to the Bar Association, relocating the High Court to a distant suburban area would inconvenience thousands of litigants, lawyers, and judicial staff who rely on easy access to the existing complex.
Sarma’s Resignation Sparks Debate
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s resignation from the Bar Association has added a new political layer to the controversy. In his resignation letter, Sarma expressed dismay at the Association’s stance and accused a section of its members of “politicizing a developmental initiative” meant to strengthen the state’s judicial system.
“While I have the utmost respect for the Bar Association and its legacy, I find myself unable to continue as a member when the platform is being used to propagate narratives that do not align with the development vision for Assam,” Sarma wrote.
The resignation is seen by many as a symbolic protest against what the Chief Minister views as obstruction to reform, but critics say it reflects his unwillingness to engage with legal stakeholders constructively.
Legal Fraternity Divided
The Gauhati HC Bar Association has called for a rollback of the decision, citing the lack of consultation with stakeholders and the logistical difficulties involved in moving court proceedings to the outskirts of the city.
“We were not consulted on such a major relocation plan that will affect thousands. This move will not serve the interests of justice delivery,” said a senior advocate who wished to remain anonymous.
At the same time, a smaller section of the legal community has expressed support for the project, saying the infrastructure of the existing complex is outdated and that long-term planning requires a modern judicial zone.
Political and Public Reactions
The resignation has stirred debate across Assam’s political circles, with the opposition parties accusing Sarma of turning away from dialogue and criticism. The Congress and AIUDF leaders have termed the move “arrogant” and “disrespectful to democratic dissent.”
Meanwhile, social media platforms in Assam are abuzz with contrasting opinions—some supporting Sarma’s vision for a modern judicial township, while others criticize the unilateral nature of the decision-making.
Public sentiment appears to be divided, with many concerned about accessibility and cost for everyday litigants if the High Court is moved far from the city center.
The resignation of Himanta Biswa Sarma from the Gauhati High Court Bar Association amid the Judicial Township row underscores a growing friction between the Assam government and the state’s legal fraternity. While the Chief Minister frames the township as a step toward modernization, critics argue it reflects a top-down approach lacking in public consultation.
As Assam navigates this sensitive intersection of governance, infrastructure, and justice delivery, the coming weeks will reveal whether dialogue and compromise can prevail—or whether the divide will deepen.