Shillong, August 27: Lawyers in Meghalaya took to the streets on Thursday demanding the removal of State Advocate General Amit Kumar and condemning Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s recent remarks praising Kumar as a lawyer the Government was “lucky” to have.
Members of the High Court Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association marched from the High Court Bar Association office to Civil Point at Lower Lachumiere and back. Protesters carried placards and banners reading “Amit Go Back” and “Amit Kumar Step Down”, while an effigy of the Advocate General was also burnt during the demonstration.
Speaking to reporters, Shillong Bar Association secretary T. L. Jyrwa and advocate Kishore Gautam said the Chief Minister’s remarks had further aggravated resentment among members of the legal fraternity, particularly as the associations had already submitted representations seeking Kumar’s removal.
They alleged that their concerns had not received adequate consideration and said the Chief Minister’s praise of the Advocate General had added to their dissatisfaction.
Lawyers Raise Conduct Concerns
The protesters alleged that Kumar had shown disrespect towards members of the Bar and objected to remarks they said he had made in court.
They stressed that their opposition was directed at his conduct and functioning as Advocate General, rather than his personal background. Protesters said the issue concerned the dignity and professional standing of members of the Bar associations.
The phrase “lucky”, used by the Chief Minister, also became a prominent feature of the protest. One placard read “We Are Not Lucky”, while another depicted Kumar wearing a crown labelled “lucky”, in an apparent reference to Sangma’s remarks.
Questions Over Engagement of Outside Lawyers
The lawyers also questioned the Government’s decision to engage legal counsel from outside Meghalaya for certain cases.
They argued that the State has capable advocates who could represent the Government and called for greater opportunities for local lawyers, particularly young advocates seeking professional experience.
One placard urged the Chief Minister to stop spending public money on legal advisers from outside the State.
Protesters Deny Regional or Ethnic Motive
Although slogans such as “Go Back” were raised, the protesting lawyers maintained that their demand was not based on Kumar being from outside Meghalaya.
They pointed to the participation of lawyers from different communities and said the demonstration was focused on concerns relating to the functioning of the Advocate General and issues affecting the legal fraternity.
The speakers described the demonstration as an unprecedented street protest by lawyers in the State and said they were compelled to take the step after receiving what they considered an unsatisfactory response to their earlier representations.
The associations reiterated their demand for Kumar’s removal and said their future course of action would be decided collectively after further consultations.
