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Politics
Goa Assembly passes law imposing up to 7 years jail for assault on lawyers
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 03 Sep 2026, 12:33 AM
👁 3
The Goa Legislative Assembly approved a bill that makes assault on lawyers punishable with up to seven years in prison.
The Goa Legislative Assembly cleared a new bill that prescribes a maximum term of seven years' imprisonment for anyone found guilty of assaulting a lawyer. The legislation aims to enhance the safety of legal professionals and ensure the smooth functioning of courts in the state.
The bill, introduced by the ruling party, defines "assault" to include physical violence, threats, or any act that endangers a lawyer while performing official duties. It also provides for a fine in addition to the custodial sentence, though the exact amount was not disclosed in the initial reading.
Lawmakers debated the need for stricter protection after a series of reported attacks on lawyers across India, but the assembly voted in favor without significant opposition. The law will now move to the Governor for assent before it becomes enforceable.
Legal bodies welcomed the move, stating that a deterrent penalty could reduce intimidation of advocates and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.
The bill, introduced by the ruling party, defines "assault" to include physical violence, threats, or any act that endangers a lawyer while performing official duties. It also provides for a fine in addition to the custodial sentence, though the exact amount was not disclosed in the initial reading.
Lawmakers debated the need for stricter protection after a series of reported attacks on lawyers across India, but the assembly voted in favor without significant opposition. The law will now move to the Governor for assent before it becomes enforceable.
Legal bodies welcomed the move, stating that a deterrent penalty could reduce intimidation of advocates and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.