Shillong, Aug 29: The Meghalaya High Court Bar Association and Shillong Bar Association have submitted a joint representation to Governor Chandrashekar H Vijayashankar seeking immediate removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar.
The representation, pursuant to joint general body resolutions on August 5 and 24, alleges that remarks made by the AG during hearing of WP(C) No. 350 of 2026 on August 3 caused reputational damage to the legal fraternity.
The case concerned assault and parading of a lawyer accused of molesting his intern by non-state actors. The AG told the court that Bar associations had failed to protect women members and provide safe environment and that multiple sexual harassment complaints were received. The associations said the statements were unrelated to the core issue.
Following the hearing, the associations sought particulars of the alleged complaints. According to them, the AG declined and questioned their authority. In an open letter on August 4, he reiterated “strong sense of discomfort among lady lawyers” but cited no specific complaint, inquiry or finding.
The associations stated no sexual harassment complaint was reported to them before August and that after a report by a local English daily on July 29, the Shillong Bar suspended accused member.
Beyond remarks, they raised concerns over engagement of junior and assisting advocates, alleging appointment of relatives and inexperienced persons as panel counsel and engagement of outside lawyers despite availability of competent local advocates, causing loss to exchequer and denial of opportunity.
They said a representation to the Chief Minister was submitted on August 7 seeking review of appointments but they received no response.
Citing loss of confidence, they urged the Governor to examine records of all appointments by the AG and consider whether continuation is consistent with public confidence and professional harmony and to withhold further recommendations for outside counsel pending decision.
