### Gauhati High Court Bar Association Protests New Judicial Township Plans The Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) has initiated a hunger strike and announced a boycott of the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new judicial complex in North Guwahati. This protest stems from concerns regarding the proposed relocation of the high court from its current location in the heart of Guwahati to a new site at Rangmahal, which spans approximately 148 bighas (nearly 49 acres) of land. The GHCBA argues that the decision was made without adequate consultation with legal professionals and raises issues that remain unresolved [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/jan/11/gauhati-hc-bar-association-goes-on-hunger-strike-to-boycott-cjis-event-for-new-complex][https://www.outlookindia.com/national/guwahati-hc-bar-association-to-boycott-cjis-foundation-stone-ceremony]. ### Structure of the Protest and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Relocation**: The government plans to establish a new judicial township in North Guwahati, which has faced opposition from the GHCBA due to concerns over the lack of consultation and unresolved issues related to the move [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/gauhati-hc-bar-association-sits-on-hunger-strike-to-boycott-cjis-function-for-new-complex/article70497075.ece]. 2. **Details of the Hunger Strike**: The GHCBA commenced a hunger strike on January 8, 2026, and has committed to continuing this protest through the foundation stone-laying ceremony scheduled for January 11, 2026. The strike is intended as a peaceful demonstration against the relocation plans [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3762601-gauhati-hc-bar-association-on-hunger-strike-against-shifting-of-court-complex]. 3. **Boycott of the Ceremony**: The association has officially declared its intention to boycott the ceremony attended by Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, as a form of protest against the government's decision [https://www.nenow.in/guwahati/gauhati-high-court-bar-association-continues-hunger-strike-skips-foundation-laying-ceremony.html]. 4. **Future Actions**: The GHCBA has indicated that a court challenge may follow the foundation stone-laying event, depending on the outcomes of their ongoing discussions and protests [https://assamtribune.com/guwahati/bar-body-skips-cji-event-continues-hunger-strike-over-gauhati-high-court-shift-1604138]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Timeline of Events**: - **January 6, 2026**: GHCBA adopts a resolution to boycott the foundation stone-laying ceremony [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3762601-gauhati-high-court-bar-protests-new-judicial-township-move]. - **January 8, 2026**: Hunger strike begins, with members protesting the relocation [https://www.nenow.in/guwahati/gauhati-high-court-bar-association-protests-proposed-relocation-with-three-day-hunger-strike.html]. - **January 11, 2026**: Scheduled foundation stone-laying ceremony, which the GHCBA plans to boycott [https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/gauhati-high-court-lawyers-boycott-cji-event-over-proposed-relocation-1329552-2026-01-11]. ### Conclusion: The GHCBA's Stand Against Relocation In summary, the Gauhati High Court Bar Association is firmly opposing the government's plans to relocate the high court complex to North Guwahati through a hunger strike and a boycott of the foundation stone-laying ceremony. The association's actions reflect deep concerns over the decision-making process and the implications for legal practice in the region. 1. **Protest Initiation**: The GHCBA began its hunger strike on January 8, 2026, to express dissent against the relocation plans. 2. **Ceremony Boycott**: The association has officially announced its boycott of the January 11 ceremony, emphasizing their stance against the government's actions. 3. **Future Legal Actions**: The GHCBA is considering legal challenges following the ceremony, indicating ongoing resistance to the relocation. The situation remains dynamic, with potential legal ramifications depending on the outcomes of the protests and government responses [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3762601-gauhati-hc-bar-association-on-hunger-strike-against-shifting-of-court-complex].