Guwahati, Jan 8: Advocates of the Gauhati High Court on Thursday launched a three-day hunger strike protesting the government’s proposed plan to shift the High Court to North Guwahati.

The hunger strike is being observed from January 8 to 10 within the premises of the Gauhati High Court.

Senior advocate Anshuman Bora said the advocates have begun the hunger strike as an ongoing process is underway to relocate the High Court about 15 kilometres away from its present location to Rangmahal.

“We have strongly objected to this proposed shifting for several reasons. It will create serious difficulties for common people, lawyers, and all stakeholders associated with the judiciary,” Bora said.

He pointed out that while the government has proposed a ‘judicial city’, the plan does not include other crucial courts such as Sessions Courts, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) courts, subordinate courts, and tribunals.

“If it is truly a judicial city, why are these essential courts not included? Advocates have to move from one court to another daily to earn their livelihood. Common people will also be forced to travel nearly 16 kilometres every day to access justice,” he added.

Bora further stated that the existing High Court campus has sufficient surrounding land that can be used for developing parking facilities, mall courts, and other infrastructure.

He also raised concern over the future of the old High Court building, calling it a historic pillar of Assam’s judiciary.

“We do not know what will happen to that historic building. Several serious issues are involved, and the advocates were never taken into confidence while taking this decision. We were kept completely in the dark,” he alleged.

Stressing that the protest is peaceful, Bora said the advocates are only voicing the concerns of common people.

“We are lawyers, but we represent the common people. This protest is their voice. The hunger strike will continue for three days, and further decisions will be taken accordingly,” he said.