March 19, 2025: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is facing strong opposition from the Gauhati High Court Bar Association over the proposed relocation of the High Court to Rangmahal in North Guwahati. In a major escalation, some advocates have even proposed the cancellation of Sarma’s membership from the Bar Association, citing his active role in pushing for the move.

During a general meeting, the Bar Association passed a resolution opposing the relocation and announced a protest on March 24. The association also plans to write to the Prime Minister, President, and Chief Justice, urging them to intervene in the matter.

While the state government has backed the relocation, the decision has been met with widespread resistance from the legal community. Several senior advocates, including A.K. Bhattacharya, K.K. Mohanta, and P.K. Goswami, voiced their opposition, alongside women advocates Rakhi Choudhury and Banasree Gogoi. Senior lawyers Hafiz Rashid Choudhury and Arup Borbora also strongly criticized the move.

Government representatives Bankim Sharma and Jayanta Goswami defended the relocation plan, but the All Assam Lawyers’ Association extended full support to the Bar Association's stance.

The controversy has intensified with discussions set to take place on Thursday regarding the possible revocation of Chief Minister Sarma’s membership in the Bar Association. Sarma, who has been a member since November 15, 1999, with registration number 1313, is now under scrutiny from legal circles who view his role in the relocation as a direct challenge to their interests.

As tensions rise, the legal fraternity remains firm in its opposition, setting the stage for a major showdown between the Bar Association and the state government.