Shillong, October 7: Lawyers from across Meghalaya staged a protest march in Shillong on Wednesday demanding the removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar, after a two-week period given to the MDA Government to address their concerns ended without a decision.
The protest was organised under the banner of the Shillong High Court Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association, with lawyers from several district Bar Associations also participating. The march began near the Kiang Nangbah Memorial in the Civil Hospital area and proceeded towards the High Court before returning. Protesters carried placards critical of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the government and raised slogans including “Amit Kumar Go Back.”
Speaking to reporters, Kishore Gautam said the lawyers had continued their agitation as repeated meetings and assurances from the government had not resulted in concrete action.
Gautam said that during an earlier meeting with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the lawyers were assured that Amit Kumar would not appear before the High Court, other courts or tribunals while their concerns and allegations were being examined.
However, he alleged that Kumar subsequently continued appearing in court, which led to renewed dissatisfaction among members of the Bar.
Gautam said he had informed the Chief Minister through phone messages and WhatsApp about Kumar’s alleged appearances, following an instruction to report any such developments. He said the lawyers were subsequently expecting another meeting with the Chief Minister.
The lawyers had earlier announced abstention from judicial work across Meghalaya from October 1, while exempting bail and urgent matters, after alleging that Kumar continued to appear for the state despite assurances from the government.
Gautam questioned why the government had not taken a decision despite repeated representations, meetings and appeals seeking Kumar’s removal.
He said the participation of representatives from district Bar Associations reflected support for the demand raised by the Shillong High Court Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association.
The issue has also seen differences within the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association. Its president, K.S. Kynjing, has objected to what he described as unilateral decisions by the association’s secretary and questioned the legality of the court boycott.
The protesting lawyers, however, said their agitation would continue in different forms until the government provides a clear response on their demand. The associations are expected to meet to decide their next course of action.
