‘AG’s conduct undermined dignity of legal fraternity’
Shillong, Aug 27: Bar associations of Meghalaya staged a rally demanding resignation of Advocate General Amit Kumar, who, they alleged, had undermined the dignity of legal fraternity by his conduct and remarks during court proceedings.
The protest was not limited to the Shillong Bar Association and the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association but had the support of lawyers’ bodies across the state, senior advocate Kishore Chand Gautam said.
The AG had allegedly made remarks during court proceedings, concerning the safety of women in the Bar.
A general body meeting of the bar associations had unanimously decided to write to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking Kumar’s removal, Gautam said.
He said Kumar later expressed regret over how his statements had been reported. However, the lawyers maintained that the response did not amount to an apology.
The bar associations also objected to media reports (not TME) creating a “misleading impression” that lawyers were opposing Kumar because he had supported a woman intern.
“The narrative that was being created was wrong,” Gautam said, adding that the lawyers’ position had not been adequately reflected despite an earlier press briefing.
Gautam said the associations would also explore legal options over the reports.
He further alleged that the AG’s office had engaged lawyers from outside Meghalaya even for relatively minor cases.
He also questioned the appointment of Kumar’s son to represent the state before the Supreme Court.
Gautam said the lawyers would file Right to Information applications seeking details of expenditure involving the Advocate General and his legal team.
A general body meeting of Bar Associations on August 24 authorised the executive committees of the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association to decide the future course of action.
Gautam said the lawyers would continue their agitation until Kumar either resigned or was removed.
“We may hold another meeting tomorrow or the day after. We will continue our agitation until Mr Amit Kumar resigns or is removed,” he said.
