Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya issued contempt notices to 24 office-bearers and executive members of the High Court Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association. Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew ordered the lawyers to explain why they should not face criminal contempt for a work boycott that stalled justice across the state. The strike began October 1, 2026, following a September 30 resolution demanding the removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar.
Work stopped in all districts except Baghmara. The Baghmara Bar Association refused the call, earning praise from the bench for following Supreme Court precedent. The court invoked the Ex-Capt. Harish Uppal ruling, which bans lawyers from striking. “Such action is unprofessional and unbecoming. An advocate is an officer of the court with a duty to ensure its smooth functioning and to protect clients’ interests. Strikes interfere with the administration of justice,” the judges wrote.
Notices went to High Court Bar leaders including K.S. Kynjing, N. Syngkon, P. Nongbri, Kishore Ch. Gautam, Andrew R. Passah, Arnold G. Momin, and Sujit Dey, along with members Apu Dey, Andrew M. Sangma, Cherak C.T. Sangma, Jonathan M. Thangkhiew, H.L. Shangreiso, Melvbin M. Laitmon, Raymond K. Majaw, and Rosylia Kharshiing. Shillong Bar Association recipients include H.R. Nath, Nelson Kharnarbi, Teiborlang Jyrwa, N. Shyambor Singh Marpan, Nurina N. Lyngdoh, Ilawanda S. Lyngdoh, Kishore Ch. Gautam, Ricky Nelson Marbaniang, Jonathan M. Dkhar, Jyoti K. Marak, Krishna Sharma, and Stevie R. Lyngdoh.
The court demanded personal appearances on October 13, 2026. If the strike continues in other districts, the bench will expand its contempt proceedings. The Bar Council of India and the State Bar Council of Meghalaya are now parties to the case. Officials must attend the next hearing to explain what disciplinary steps they have taken.
The Meghalaya Law Department ordered government lawyers to return to work immediately. Commissioner and Secretary C.V.D. Diengdoh warned that cases risk dismissal for non-prosecution. Lawyers cannot walk away from their responsibilities. The government expects full attendance to protect public interests.
Updated at 9th October 2026 at 2:30pm
The strike stems from a dispute over remarks allegedly made by Advocate General Amit Kumar during High Court proceedings on August 3. The comments centered on the safety of women lawyers and the protection of a woman law intern who claimed she was molested.
The court has now formally roped in the Bar Council of India as respondent number five in the contempt case. The Chairman of the State Bar Council must also appear in person on October 13 to detail exactly what disciplinary measures have been taken against the lawyers who walked off the job.
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