Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa government has approved a draft Advocate Protection Bill aimed at providing legal safeguards to lawyers against threats, intimidation and physical attacks.
The state cabinet cleared the proposed legislation last Friday, paving the way for it to be introduced during the ongoing session of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Welcoming the move, Devidas Pangam said the bill is an important step towards ensuring the safety of legal professionals. He noted that if the law is enacted, Goa will become the third state in the country to implement legislation specifically meant to protect advocates.
Pangam pointed out that lawyers frequently face intimidation, harassment and even assaults while performing their duties, particularly during court proceedings or while dealing with sensitive matters. He added that three to four such incidents have been reported in the state in recent weeks.
Drawing a comparison with other professions, Pangam said that doctors already have statutory protection and similar safeguards should be extended to advocates who play a crucial role in upholding the justice system.
The proposed law is expected to create a legal mechanism to discourage violence against advocates and ensure prompt action against those responsible for such offences.
Pangam also emphasised that the legislation is not just about safeguarding individual lawyers but about protecting the functioning and credibility of the justice delivery system.
The Advocate General further expressed appreciation to the government for bringing forward the bill and said the legal fraternity in the state strongly supports the initiative.
If the Assembly passes the bill, Goa will join two other states that have enacted similar laws to strengthen protection for members of the legal profession.
