SHILLONG: A massive street demonstration in Shillong on Thursday signaled an escalating standoff between Meghalaya’s legal fraternity and the Chief Minister’s office, as lawyers from across the state rallied to demand the immediate removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar.
The protest, backed by bar associations statewide, marked a major escalation in tensions over professional dignity, administrative accountability, and the government’s management of senior legal appointments.
The dispute centers on controversial remarks allegedly made by Kumar in high court about the safety of women at the Bar.
Senior advocate Kishore Chand Gautam, speaking for the protesters, emphasized that the movement reflected statewide unity among bar associations, not just localized efforts by the Shillong Bar Association and the High Court Bar Association.
While Kumar later expressed regret over media coverage of his comments, the legal community rejected this as insufficient, insisting that only a direct apology would satisfy their concerns.
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The conflict has widened with a boycott of a local newspaper, as bar associations accused it of incomplete and biased coverage of their initial press briefing. Legal action against the publication is being considered.
The rally also brought longstanding grievances to the fore, including allegations that the Advocate General’s office regularly bypasses local lawyers in favor of outside counsel for routine cases, and ethical concerns over the appointment of the Advocate General’s son to represent Meghalaya in the Supreme Court.
Lawyers plan to file RTI applications to audit all state expenditure related to the Advocate General and external legal teams.
Political tensions were heightened by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s recent praise of Kumar, which many lawyers viewed as dismissive of their concerns and a catalyst for the mass protest.
Following a general body resolution on August 24, executive committees of the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and Shillong Bar Association have been authorized to lead the ongoing campaign.
Legal leaders confirmed that protests and boycott actions will continue until Kumar steps down, with further strategy sessions planned.
(4FrontMedia news)
