Overview The Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) initiated a three-day hunger strike on January 8, 2026 , to protest the Assam government's decision to relocate the Gauhati High Court complex. The proposed relocation site is in North Guwahati , across the Brahmaputra River , a move that has sparked significant opposition from the bar association. Key Developments Protest and Opposition Hunger Strike: Members of the GHCBA are participating in a hunger strike led by president Kamal Nayan Choudhury and secretary general Girin Pegu . Referendum Results: A referendum within the GHCBA revealed that 1,164 members voted against the relocation, while only 154 supported it. Foundation Stone Ceremony: The foundation stone laying ceremony for the new judicial township is scheduled for January 11 , with Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant , expected to officiate. Government's Perspective Judicial Township Project: The judicial township is planned across approximately 43 acres in Rangmahal, North Guwahati . Financial Allocation: In November 2025 , the Assam Cabinet allocated ₹479 crore for the first phase of construction. Justification for Relocation: The government states the relocation is part of a broader plan to develop the Brahmaputra riverfront and address infrastructural deficiencies in the current High Court complex. Arguments For and Against the Relocation Arguments Against Inconvenience: The GHCBA argues that shifting the court complex would inconvenience both litigants and lawyers. Referendum Result: The strong opposition reflected in the referendum indicates significant discontent among the legal community. Arguments For Infrastructure Deficiencies: Assam’s Advocate General Devajit Saikia stated that the current complex lacks sufficient rooms for judges and advocates, video conferencing facilities, conference halls, and adequate parking. Long-Term Solution: The government believes the new judicial township will solve these problems for the next 50 years . High Court's Decision: Mr. Saikia emphasized that the project is based on the decision of the High Court itself. Division within the Legal Community Two Bar Associations: The article highlights that there are two bar associations within the Gauhati High Court. GHCBA's Opposition: The GHCBA is leading the opposition to the project. Gauhati High Court Advocates’ Association's Support: The Gauhati High Court Advocates’ Association supports the High Court's decision and the judicial township project. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam as it touches upon issues related to judicial infrastructure, government policy, and the role of civil society in influencing policy decisions. It is particularly relevant to GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance) and GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure) . Potential Exam Questions Discuss the challenges in modernizing judicial infrastructure in India. Analyze the role of bar associations in shaping judicial policy and infrastructure development. Evaluate the government's approach to balancing development projects with the concerns of affected stakeholders.