GUWAHATI: The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court has issued notices to artist Marshall Baruah and youth leader Ankuman Bordoloi. The notice directs both men to appear before the court on June 25 in connection with a case stemming from protests against tree felling in Guwahati's Bharalumukh area.
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Marshall Baruah and Ankuman Bordoloi were first arrested in 2024 after taking part in demonstrations opposing the cutting of trees in the locality, a movement that drew significant local support from residents and student groups objecting to the removal of trees for a proposed flyover project.
Following their arrest, the two spent 14 days in judicial custody. Police booked them under non-bailable sections, with Assam Police alleging their involvement in a criminal conspiracy to commit murder. These charges drew sharp criticism from civil rights observers given the nature of the protest.
The case quickly became a point for public debate, particularly among the youth and civic society members, who viewed the prosecution as disproportionate to a protest centered on tree conservation.
Marshall Barush, hailing from Gohpur is a well-known figure in Assam's art scene. The recent restoring and repainting of the iconic Zubeen Garg mural beneath the Ganeshguri Flyover added to his public recognition.
Supporters of the duo have continued to highlight the Bharalumukh tree-felling dispute as part of a broader conversation around development projects and environmental protection in the city, arguing that peaceful protest by youth and students should not attract severe criminal charges.
With the matter now scheduled to resume on June 25, both the prosecution and defence are expected to present further arguments before the CJM Court. The outcome is likely to be closely watched by environmental groups, free-expression advocates and general public alike, given the case's broader implications for protest rights in Assam.