Supreme Court Bar Association Calls for Withdrawal of Resolution Against Advocate General

Shillong, India Aug 15, 2026 ALN: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has made a significant appeal to both the High Court Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association, urging them to reconsider and withdraw their joint resolution that seeks action against Advocate General Amit Kumar. This development has raised important questions about the relationship between legal professionals and the institutions that govern their conduct, as well as the broader implications for the safety and dignity of women in the legal profession.

The joint resolution passed by the High Court Bar Association and the Shillong Bar Association called for the expulsion of Advocate General Kumar from their rolls and demanded his removal from the position of Advocate General. This action was taken in response to Kumar's alleged remarks during court proceedings, wherein he suggested that bar associations had not adequately provided a safe environment for women lawyers. These comments have ignited a heated debate about the responsibilities of legal institutions in ensuring the safety and dignity of their members, particularly female advocates and law interns.

The SCBA has responded to the resolution by stating that it is unwarranted, particularly because the issues raised are already under consideration by the High Court. They emphasized that Kumar, in his capacity as Advocate General, had informed the court about the actions taken regarding the ongoing case, which involves serious allegations surrounding the safety of women in the legal field. The SCBA pointed out that while it is crucial to protect the safety of all bar members, equal attention must also be given to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women advocates and law interns.

In its statement, the SCBA noted, "Since these submissions were made during judicial proceedings in a matter already before the High Court, seeking action against the Advocate General for those submissions was unwarranted." This highlights the delicate balance that must be maintained within the legal profession, where advocacy and accountability must coexist. The SCBA has expressed concern that the resolution could escalate the ongoing controversy, potentially undermining the integrity of the legal profession and the institutions that govern it.

Furthermore, the SCBA has called upon the associations to withdraw their resolution and instead focus on creating a confidential mechanism that would allow women advocates and law interns to raise grievances and seek redressal in a safe environment. They emphasized, "The safety and dignity of every member of the legal profession must remain a collective responsibility of the Bar." This call to action reflects a growing awareness of the need for systemic changes within legal institutions to better protect vulnerable members of the profession.

The controversy originated during High Court proceedings concerning the alleged assault and public humiliation of an advocate in Shillong, who had previously been accused of molesting a law intern. This incident has drawn considerable attention to the challenges faced by women in the legal field, including issues of harassment and the adequacy of institutional responses. The court itself has expressed concern over the police's failure to act during the incident, despite their presence at the scene, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting individuals from such acts of violence and intimidation.

The implications of this controversy extend beyond the immediate parties involved. It raises critical questions about the culture within legal institutions and the mechanisms that are in place to address grievances related to misconduct and harassment. The legal profession has long been scrutinized for its treatment of women, and this incident underscores the urgent need for reforms aimed at creating a safer and more equitable environment for all practitioners.

Moreover, the SCBA's call for a confidential grievance mechanism reflects a broader trend in various professional fields, where organizations are recognizing the importance of providing safe spaces for individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Such mechanisms are essential for fostering an environment where all members of the profession can thrive, free from the threat of harassment or discrimination.

As the situation continues to unfold, it will be critical for the involved bar associations and legal institutions to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards solutions that prioritize the safety and dignity of all legal professionals. The legal community must collectively acknowledge the challenges faced by women in the profession and take meaningful steps to address these issues, ensuring that the legal system upholds the principles of justice and equality for all its members.