Challenging Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s claim that calls for the removal of Advocate General Amit Kumar are sub judice, the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association on Saturday sought the intervention of Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar, urging him to press the state government to address the matter. The delegation met the Governor at Lok Bhavan on Aug 29 and said the Governor assured them he would write to the Chief Minister, asking that the issue be discussed and examined by the Cabinet.
The meeting followed a protest on Thursday when more than 1,000 lawyers marched in Shillong demanding Kumar’s removal over alleged remarks about the state’s legal fraternity. Association leaders told the Governor the agitation reflected widespread concern in the legal community and sought formal action.
Shillong Bar Association secretary TL Jyrwa said he was satisfied with the Governor’s response and quoted the Governor as recognising the lawyers’ right to raise grievances. Jyrwa added that the Governor suggested establishing a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for appointing the Advocate General if the lawyers’ demand is found to have merit.
Refuting the Chief Minister’s recent statement in the Assembly, High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association secretary general KC Gautam maintained that the demand for Kumar’s removal is not sub judice and accused the government of invoking pending court proceedings to avoid taking a clear position. Gautam said the specific demand for removal is not currently before the court for adjudication.
The controversy reached the Assembly on Friday when Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma sought a government statement on the lawyers’ agitation. The Chief Minister declined to comment in detail, saying the matter was pending before the High Court and therefore inappropriate for discussion — a stance the Opposition leader publicly questioned. The legal community’s appeal to the Governor signals continued pressure on the state government to clarify its position and consider formal procedures for Advocate General appointments.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/08/30/bar-bodies-move-governor-over-ags-removal/
Category: MEGHALAYA
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-08-30 05:38:00
