7 months ago
CJI Launches Assam Court Complex Amid Protests
The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, recently started building a new big court complex in Assam.
Some lawyers are upset because they think the new location is too far and not easy to reach.
The Chief Justice says the new complex will be better for everyone, especially new lawyers.
The government says a new bridge will make the trip quicker.
The lawyers are still protesting and might even go to court to stop the move.
The new complex will have lots of space and parking for cars and bikes.
It will cost a lot of money, but the government says it's worth it for better justice in the future.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant laid the foundation for an Integrated Judicial Court Complex in Assam's Kamrup district on January 11, 2026.
The Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) protested the relocation, citing concerns over accessibility, infrastructure, and lack of stakeholder consultation.
The new complex, costing Rs 1,700 crore, will house the Gauhati High Court, district courts, and have parking for 900 cars and 400 two-wheelers.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that a new bridge over the Brahmaputra river, to be inaugurated in February 2026, will reduce travel time to the new site.
The GHCBA staged a four-hour hunger strike and plans to challenge the relocation in court, claiming a nexus with political parties behind the protest.
- Who
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
- What
- Foundation laid for an Integrated Judicial Court Complex in Assam amid protests
- Where
- Kamrup district, Assam
- When
- January 11, 2026
- Why
- To relocate the Gauhati High Court and develop a modern judicial infrastructure, despite opposition from lawyers citing accessibility and infrastructure concerns
Key facts
- Location
- Kamrup district, Assam
- Project Cost (Phase I)
- Rs 479 crore
- Total Project Cost
- Rs 1,700 crore
- Complex Size
- 148 bighas (around 49 acres)
- Parking Capacity
- 900 cars and 400 two-wheelers
- Current High Court Location
- Uzan Bazar, central Guwahati
- New Bridge Inauguration
- February 2026
Quotes
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
Head of the Indian judiciary
“Those opposing the new court complex are either ill-informed or not realising the needs of new members of the bar. Personal vested interests should not be valid grounds for opposing development of infrastructure for the future.”
rediff.com
“The site for the new complex is 'strategically positioned' and will provide all facilities under one roof.”
rediff.com
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Chief Minister of Assam
“Their main contention that it will take two hours to reach the new site will not hold ground after the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge over the Brahmaputra is inaugurated by the Prime Minister in February.”
rediff.com
“The driving time from Dighalipukhuri area of Guwahai, near which the high court is at present situated, to Rangmahal will be around 20-25 minutes through the new bridge.”
rediff.com
GHCBA vice president Santanu Borthakur
Vice president of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association
“We are completely against shifting the high court from the present location, which is the heart of the city. None of our members will attend the function.”
rediff.com
“We are thinking of challenging this in court. Our executive committee will meet within the next few days and decide the future course of action.”
rediff.com
Justice Sandeep Mehta
Supreme Court judge
“The new complex will benefit the younger members and enable them to function with dedicated facilities.”
rediff.com
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
Supreme Court judge
“Judiciary needs space, literally and metaphorically. Let us join hands for the new infrastructure.”
rediff.com
Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia
Advocate General of Assam
“There was a 'nexus with political parties' behind the protest.”
rediff.com
