Shillong: Meghalaya lawyers go on strike this Thursday. They are walking away from judicial work to protest Advocate General Amit Kumar representing the state. A joint meeting between the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association finalized the move on Wednesday.
The dispute centers on Kumar appearing before the Shillong Commercial Court on Wednesday. The Bar claims this action breaks clear promises made by the government. The legal groups demand his removal from office. They argue the state failed to honor previous commitments that Kumar would stop representing the government in court.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and his deputy provided specific assurances on September 16 and September 2. They promised Kumar would stay out of court proceedings while the state reviewed the Bar's demands. The lawyers claim these pledges were ignored. The resolution states the issue is of “grave importance” for the dignity of the legal profession.
The work stoppage covers all courts and tribunals across Meghalaya. However, lawyers will still handle bail hearings and urgent motions. This protest will not end until the government fires Kumar. The joint committee, led by secretaries KC Gautam and TL Jyrwa, also announced a mass rally in Shillong scheduled for October 5. They plan to share this resolution with every bar association across the state to build support.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 9:47am
The protest now faces an internal challenge. K.S. Kynjing, president of the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association, blasted the boycott as illegal. In a letter to the association’s secretary, Kynjing claimed the joint meeting was held without proper notice or consultation with the executive committee. He argued the walkout violates clear Supreme Court rulings in the Ex-Capt. Harish Uppal vs Union of India case, which prohibits lawyers from striking or boycotting court proceedings.
Kynjing dismissed the movement as the work of members pursuing personal grievances rather than official business. He ordered the removal of 'GO BACK AMIT KUMAR' banners from the bar campus, noting that the Advocate General had already issued an apology on August 13. Kynjing asserted that appointing the Advocate General remains the government's prerogative and warned that members should not attempt to paralyze the judicial system to force a personnel change. He has notified the Chief Justice, the Chief Minister, and the Law Department of his opposition to the ongoing action.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 1:49pm
Kynjing revealed that a letter sent to the Supreme Court Bar Association on August 17, along with several other press statements and conferences, went out without any approval from the executive committee. He accused Secretary Kishore Ch. Gautam of acting unilaterally and bypassing established institutional processes to handle the dispute.
The President blasted the rhetoric used in these unauthorized communications, claiming it lacked the professional dignity and restraint expected of the legal community. He explicitly requested that all official grievances be funneled through proper channels rather than airing them via public demonstrations or banners that bring disrepute to the association.
Kynjing warned that any future decision involving court absences must involve formal consultation with the Chief Justice or the relevant District Judge, especially when the dignity of the Bench is at stake. He urged all members to ignore the call for a mass rally and return to their duties to protect their clients' interests.
Comments