SHILLONG, SEPT 3: Meghalaya Advocate General Amit Kumar on Thursday said his remarks on the alleged molestation of an intern were misinterpreted as an attack on the bar, and refuted allegations of financial irregularities.

Addressing the media amid protests seeking his removal, Kumar said, “This press conference is not against the bar associations or members. I am still a member of the bar, whether I am AG or not.”

He said a young intern had filed a complaint alleging molestation by a senior advocate, following which a case was registered on July 29. 

Non-state actors acted on it, which he termed unfortunate.

The High Court took up the matter on July 31 and an FIR was registered against those who allegedly assaulted the senior advocate, Kumar said.

He said 87 lawyers had on the same day sought an institutional mechanism to report such incidents and ensure a safer workplace for women lawyers, and a status report submitted to the High Court on August 3 confirmed the accused had been apprehended.Kumar claimed the same advocate faced similar allegations in 2017 and 2024.

“The 2017 case was closed for insufficient evidence though the survivor had clearly named the person. It should not have been closed. I will urge authorities to reopen it,” he said.

He said the accused has been on the government panel since 2013, adding he came to know of the past cases only recently and refused to disclose the victim’s identity when asked by a senior member of the bar.

Kumar said he was expelled from the bar association on August 5 after seeking a chance to explain his stand. The Supreme Court Bar Association later requested withdrawal of the resolution after the issue reached national media.

On charges of taking Rs 3 crore advance from the Law department, he said, “In eight-and-a-half years, I have not taken a single rupee as advance.”

He also denied favouring Delhi lawyers, saying all 39 government panel lawyers are from Meghalaya. Eleven other lawyers, including his wife and son, assist him without charging the state.

“From August 1 to 31 alone, I handled 1001 matters. If anyone can prove these 11 lawyers charged money, I am guilty and will resign,” he said.