📷 Image: The Hindu (via NewsData)
Politics
Goa Assembly passes law imposing up to 7 years jail for assault on lawyers
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 02 Sep 2026, 12:51 PM
👁 12
The Goa Legislative Assembly approved a bill that makes assault on lawyers a cognisable offence and prescribes a maximum seven‑year imprisonment, along with compensation from court‑recovered fines.
The Goa Legislative Assembly cleared a bill that criminalises any act of violence or intimidation against legal practitioners. By classifying such assaults as cognisable offences, police can arrest alleged perpetrators without a warrant.
The legislation stipulates a maximum imprisonment term of seven years for the offence. It also empowers courts to order compensation to the affected advocate from fines imposed on the offender, aiming to deter attacks and safeguard the legal profession.
Lawmakers said the measure responds to a series of reported incidents across India where lawyers faced threats while performing their duties. They argue that stronger protection is essential for the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the state.
While opposition members raised concerns about the severity of the punishment and potential misuse, the bill secured majority support and will become law after receiving the governor’s assent.
The legislation stipulates a maximum imprisonment term of seven years for the offence. It also empowers courts to order compensation to the affected advocate from fines imposed on the offender, aiming to deter attacks and safeguard the legal profession.
Lawmakers said the measure responds to a series of reported incidents across India where lawyers faced threats while performing their duties. They argue that stronger protection is essential for the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the state.
While opposition members raised concerns about the severity of the punishment and potential misuse, the bill secured majority support and will become law after receiving the governor’s assent.