The Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, passed the Goa Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, by voice vote. The legislation introduces stringent penalties for assault, intimidation, harassment, and false implication of advocates while they perform professional duties.
Penalties and Legislative Provisions
Under the new law, assault or the use of criminal force against an advocate can lead to imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to ₹55,000. Voluntarily causing grievous hurt to an advocate is punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. Criminal intimidation or harassment carries a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹25,000, with the term extending to seven years if the threat involves death, grievous hurt, or property destruction.
All offenses under the Bill are cognizable, and the legislation provides for compensation to advocates from fines collected by courts. The Bill also incorporates safeguards against misuse, stipulating that advocates making false or malicious complaints could face up to one year's imprisonment, a fine, or both. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who holds the Law and Judiciary portfolio, introduced the Bill in the Assembly. The state cabinet had previously approved the draft bill on August 25, 2026.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the Bill was developed after consultations with the Bar Council and that future amendments could be considered. The exact date on which the Goa Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, will come into force is yet to be notified by the government in the Official Gazette.
Legislative Debate and Criticisms
The passage of the bill faced scrutiny from opposition legislators during assembly deliberations. Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira urged that the Bill be sent to a select committee, questioning the haste of its passage. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai highlighted contradictions in the legal framework, citing a past instance where an advocate was jailed at a police station. Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral noted that while most advocates act professionally, some do not, reflecting legislative caution regarding broad protections.
Legal experts and opposition members also voiced concerns that the bill could be prone to misuse or prove counterproductive, potentially hindering legitimate public complaints against lawyers.
Comparative Context and Downstream Stakes
Goa's enactment follows similar state-level measures across India. Rajasthan was the first Indian state to enact a specific Advocate Protection Act in 2023. Goa's initiative aligns with a growing national demand from various Bar Councils for protective legislation, including The Advocates (Protection) Bill, 2021, drafted by the Bar Council of India, which proposed imprisonment ranging from six months to five years for violence against lawyers.
For advocates in Goa, the legislation aims to establish a safer working environment, shielding them from violence, intimidation, and false implication while performing duties. The Bill is designed to strengthen the justice delivery system by upholding the independence of the legal profession. For citizens seeking legal representation, the protections ensure that access to justice is not compromised by outside interference, while the inclusion of penalties for false complaints maintains professional accountability.
