Overview
- The Gauhati High Court Bar Association is holding six-hour hunger strikes on January 8, 9 and 11 and will boycott the foundation ceremony at Rangmahal.
- The Assam government plans to lay the foundation stone on January 11 with Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant expected, following a November 2025 approval of Rs 479 crore for phase one.
- Opponents cite longer commutes, higher costs and safety worries, with women and younger lawyers warning the shift to North Guwahati would hinder daily practice and litigant access.
- An internal poll recorded 1,164 of 1,358 participating lawyers against relocation, and the association’s leaders have urged upgrades at the current Uzanbazar campus instead of a move.
- Lawyers question site and cost details, pointing to a reported reduction from 240 to about 100 bighas at Rangmahal and differing figures that include a Rs 1,000 crore overall estimate, while also flagging an alleged coercive message to government lawyers about attending the event.