Shillong, Aug 19: The Shillong Bar Association (SBA) and the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association (HCBA) on Wednesday said their demand for the removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar has no link to the case of alleged sexual harassment by a senior lawyer against a junior.
Addressing a press conference, SBA secretary TL Jyrwa called it a “false narrative” being spread on digital media. He said the associations had condemned the alleged harassment and immediately suspended the accused. Further disciplinary action, including termination of membership, will depend on proceedings.
Jyrwa said the associations moved the High Court after a video of the accused being allegedly assaulted and paraded through Keating Road on July 28 went viral. “Our purpose was not to shield the accused, but to ensure the rule of law prevails,” he said.
HCBA secretary general KC Gautam said the demand for Kumar’s removal stemmed from his submissions in court. According to Gautam, Kumar claimed to have received complaints and said there were “numerous similar incidents” involving women in the legal fraternity. The associations said they had received no such complaints.
They sought details through senior counsel K Paul. Gautam said Kumar replied with a 13-page letter refusing to share information and making remarks the associations found offensive.
At a general body meeting attended by 100+ members, the associations unanimously resolved to write to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking Kumar’s removal.
Gautam cited other concerns such as alleged negative portrayal of Meghalaya’s legal fraternity, state expenditure on engaging outside lawyers from Delhi for “small matters”, and the appointment of Kumar’s son as a state panel advocate in the Supreme Court. The associations said these would be backed by RTIs.
SBA treasurer Ila Lyngdoh said a meeting of women lawyers was held after Kumar’s remarks. The members stated they had not faced harassment and no such complaints had been received.
The associations reiterated they will not protect any lawyer found guilty and that due process must be followed.
“The purpose was to set the narrative straight. Non-state actors cannot take the law into their own hands,” Jyrwa said.
