The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has appealed to the Meghalaya High Court Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association to reconsider and withdraw their joint resolution against Meghalaya Advocate General Amit Kumar, describing the action as unwarranted.
The development follows a resolution adopted by the two Meghalaya-based bar associations on August 13, through which they removed Kumar from their rolls and called for his replacement as the state’s Advocate General. The associations had taken exception to submissions made by Kumar concerning the responsibility of bar bodies to ensure the safety and dignity of women lawyers and law interns.
Stay Connected · Headline8
Get breaking news instantly — follow our official channels
In its response, the SCBA said Kumar’s statements should be viewed in the context in which they were made. According to the association, the Advocate General had made the remarks while representing the state during proceedings before the Meghalaya High Court in a matter that was already under judicial consideration.
The SCBA noted that Kumar had informed the court about steps taken in connection with the case while maintaining that the protection of members of the Bar was important. At the same time, he had emphasised the need to ensure the safety and dignity of women advocates and law interns.
The submissions came against the backdrop of allegations made by a woman law intern against a senior member of the legal profession. The SCBA said that, given the sensitive nature of the matter and the fact that it was already before the court, initiating action against the Advocate General over statements made during judicial proceedings could intensify the dispute rather than resolve it.
The apex court bar body has therefore urged both associations to withdraw their resolution and focus instead on establishing a confidential and effective mechanism for addressing complaints raised by women lawyers and interns. It stressed that members of the legal profession should be able to report concerns without fear and that safeguarding the dignity and security of all members should be regarded as a shared responsibility.
The controversy arose during proceedings concerning the alleged assault and public humiliation of an advocate in Shillong. The advocate had previously faced allegations of molesting a law intern. The High Court had also raised concerns about the alleged inaction of police personnel who were reportedly present during the incident.
The case subsequently triggered wider concerns among lawyers about workplace safety and led to the dispute surrounding Kumar’s submissions. The matter remains closely watched as the bar associations consider the SCBA’s appeal.
