The Goa Assembly has approved the Goa Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, which mandates up to seven years of imprisonment for assaulting lawyers on duty. The law aims to safeguard the independence of the legal profession and provide compensation for damages.
Panaji: In a significant move to bolster the security of legal professionals, the Goa Assembly has passed the Goa Advocates Protection Bill, 2026. The legislation, moved by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, seeks to address the rising instances of violence, intimidation, and harassment faced by advocates while discharging their professional duties.
The bill was passed via a voice vote on Tuesday, establishing stringent penalties to deter criminals. Under the new provisions, any assault or use of criminal force against an advocate on duty can lead to two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹55,000. More severely, causing grievous hurt to a lawyer will attract a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
Detailed Penalties and Protections
The legislation covers various forms of criminal intimidation. If a threat involves death, grievous hurt, or destruction of property, the perpetrator could face up to seven years in prison. Furthermore, the bill makes every offence under its provisions cognisable, allowing for swifter police action.
To ensure that the legal profession functions without fear, the bill also provides for police protection for advocates facing threats. Such protection can be sought from a sessions court, and once granted, it cannot be withdrawn by an officer below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police without judicial permission.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the protection of lawyers is intrinsically linked to the protection of the litigant's right to justice. When advocates are intimidated, the entire judicial process is compromised, leading to a breakdown in the rule of law.
Ensuring the safety of legal practitioners is a fundamental prerequisite for an independent and fearless judiciary.
However, the bill is not without checks and balances. To prevent the law from being weaponized, safeguards have been integrated. Any advocate found making a false or malicious complaint can face up to one year of imprisonment or a fine. Additionally, any complaint against an advocate for acts performed during their professional duties must undergo a mandatory inquiry by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) within seven days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if a lawyer's property is damaged during an incident?
The court can order the recovery of damages for property loss and reimburse medical expenses from the fines recovered from the offender.
2. Is there a mechanism to prevent false cases against lawyers?
Yes, the bill requires a mandatory inquiry by a DSP-rank officer before a case can be registered against an advocate for professional acts.
