Guwahati, April 30: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has on Wednesday formally stepped down from the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA), citing differences over the proposed relocation of the Gauhati High Court complex.
Sarma, who practiced law before entering politics and was elected to the Assam Legislative Assembly in 2001, submitted his resignation on Wednesday, ending his long-standing association with the legal body.
Confirming his decision, Sarma stated that he had submitted a letter to the president of the GHCBA. He explained that his resignation was prompted by a "conflict of interest," indicating that his role as Chief Minister might be at odds with the association’s stance on the issue.
The controversy stems from a proposal to shift the Gauhati High Court complex from its current centrally located premises to a new site at Rangmahal, situated on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The GHCBA has been vocally opposing the move, citing concerns related to accessibility, convenience for the legal fraternity, and the historical significance of the existing location.
The relocation plan, reportedly part of a broader urban development strategy, has triggered debates among lawyers and city planners alike. While proponents argue that the new site would offer more space and modern infrastructure, critics, including many within the GHCBA, fear that the shift could disrupt legal proceedings and inconvenience both lawyers and litigants.
