CJI Justice Surya Kant Lays Foundation Stone for ₹479 Crore Integrated Judicial Complex in North Guwahati Amid Bar Protest
Guwahati, January 11, 2026: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant today laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Integrated Judicial Court Complex at Rangmahal in North Guwahati, marking a major milestone in Assam’s judicial infrastructure development.
Here is the iconic Gauhati High Court building, currently located in the heart of the city: 6 “LARGE”
The event took place this Sunday, with the CJI arriving in Guwahati on Saturday evening. He attended a special cultural programme and dinner organised in his honour, attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other prominent dignitaries.
Envisioned as a modern judicial city, the complex will span 148 bighas (approximately 48 acres) of land. The first phase is estimated to cost around ₹479 crore and will include dedicated buildings for the Gauhati High Court, district courts, and integrated facilities designed to deliver faster and more accessible justice.
This development aims to address space constraints and support future expansion, transforming judicial services in the region.
Here is a glimpse of Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant: 0 “LARGE”
However, the project has sparked strong opposition from the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA), which has been protesting the proposed relocation from its current central location in Uzanbazar on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra. Members staged a four-hour hunger strike starting at 10 a.m. today and boycotted the foundation stone ceremony.
The Bar Association argues that the shift across the river could hinder access to justice for litigants and lawyers. State Advocate General Devajit Saikia has criticised the protest, alleging links to political parties.
The existing Gauhati High Court features a historic building alongside a modern multi-storeyed structure, connected by an underground tunnel with escalators across Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Guwahati’s scenic location along the mighty Brahmaputra River, with the new complex planned on the northern bank: 3 “LARGE”
The project, part of a larger vision for a comprehensive judicial township (with total costs projected up to ₹1,700 crore in phases), is expected to significantly enhance judicial efficiency in Assam and the Northeast. The ceremony highlights the state’s push for modern infrastructure despite ongoing debates.
