Govt to introduce bill for protection of advocates

Panaji: With the rising incidents of violence, intimidation, harassment, and false implication of advocates in criminal proceedings in Goa, govt will introduce the Goa Advocate Protection Bill 2026 in the Assembly. The bill has a provision of imprisonment up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh against those involved in assaulting advocates.

“The bill aims to create a balanced statutory mechanism that safeguards advocates from targeted violence and harassment, while simultaneously preventing abuse of such protection through appropriate checks and penalties,” the cabinet said.

The cabinet said that the Constitution of India envisages a justice delivery system based on the rule of law, access to justice, and the independence of institutions essential to the administration of justice.

Advocates, as officers of the court and integral participants in the judicial process, perform a significant role in securing the rights guaranteed under the Constitution and in ensuring the effective enforcement of legal remedies.

In recent years, incidents of violence, intimidation, harassment, false implication, and property damage against advocates have increased while discharging their professional duties. These acts affect the independence of the legal profession and threaten the proper administration of justice.

“Interference with advocates in the lawful discharge of their duties impairs the fundamental right of litigants to legal representation and access to justice,” the cabinet said.

The bill states that assaulting or using criminal force against an advocate can lead up to imprisonment of two years and a fine up to Rs 55,000. It states that causing grievous hurt to an advocate shall be punished with seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

The bill also states that whoever intimidates or harasses an advocate shall face up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25,000; if the threat involves death, grievous hurt, or property destruction, imprisonment may extend to seven years.