Assam lawyers demand timeline for Rangmahal court shift

The Lawyers' Association, Guwahati (LAG) has demanded a clear timeline from the Assam government for relocating the district judiciary to the proposed integrated judicial township at Rangmahal. Addressing a press conference on Monday, LAG general secretary Apurba Kumar Sharma said the Detailed Project Report obtained through an RTI application does not specify when district courts will be shifted.

According to the DPR, phase one involves shifting the Gauhati High Court within three years, phase two expands High Court and bar facilities, while district courts are only in phase three. LAG also raised concerns about courtrooms already shifted to the GAD building, alleging they are too small and lack sanitation, ventilation and lifts.

The association said it is not opposed to a permanent move but will launch an agitation if a temporary relocation is imposed without adequate facilities. It also expressed concern that its historic Panbazar office may be demolished for the Brahmaputra riverfront beautification project.