Separate refreshments for bar and bench: Gauhati High Court lawyers unhappy over Independence Day arrangements

The Gauhati High Court Bar Association has written to High Court Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi expressing its resentment at the poor arrangements during the recently-held Independence Day celebrations at the court..In the letter dated August 20 and signed by the Association's president Senior Advocate Kamal Nayan Choudhury and Secretary General Girin Pegu, the association claimed that many lawyers who attended the function were not even offered light refreshments. "The arrangement for light refreshments during the event fell below the standard expected on such a significant occasion in as much as many members of the Association couldn't even be offered with light refreshment," the letter said.It also stated that separate refreshments were arranged for judges and lawyers."Of particular concern was the arrangement of separate refreshments for the Judges/Registry and Advocates, which fostered a visible distinction between the Bar and the Bench. Such divisions are deeply unsettling ... These rare opportunities should be used to strengthen the bond between the Bar and the Bench rather than create divisions," the association said in its letter..The overall organisation of the event was inadequate and the registry of the Court did not pay attention to detail, the Bar body lamented. "The lack of attention to detail in the arrangements for the lawyers, who are integral to the functioning of the court, was not only insulting. are detrimental to atmosphere of congeniality and respect that should prevail between the Bar and the Bench. This unfortunate experience casts a shadow over what should have been a celebration of our nation's freedom and unity ... It is imperative that all future events reflect the dignity and equality that the Bar and Bench deserve, as they work in tandem to uphold the rule of law," the association stated. .The letter underscored that such rare occasions offer the Bar and the Bench the chance to come together in more informal and celebratory settings. "It is only through close collaboration, mutual respect and understanding between the two that the judiciary can serve its purpose effectively. We believe that events such as the Independence Day celebration should embody and reinforce this unity, not create an atmosphere of division."The Association concluded by saying it is committed to cooperative relationship between the Bar and the Bench and expressed hope that the Court takes corrective measures .[Read letter]