Meghalaya bar associations deny link between AG removal and harassment case

The Shillong Bar Association and the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association have clarified that their demand for the removal of Meghalaya Advocate General Amit Kumar is unrelated to attempts to protect a lawyer accused of sexually harassing a junior. Bar officials stated they have condemned the alleged harassment and suspended the accused advocate, pending further disciplinary action and legal proceedings.

The associations clarified that their legal action was prompted by an incident where the accused lawyer was allegedly assaulted and paraded through the city by non-state actors before being taken to a police station. They emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law and prevent individuals from taking the law into their own hands.

In court, Advocate General Amit Kumar reported that four individuals arrested for the alleged parading of the advocate have been released on bail. An investigation is ongoing, and CCTV footage has been collected as part of the case. The High Court had previously expressed concern regarding the alleged assault and the perceived failure of police to prevent such lawlessness.