Goa Assembly passes Advocates Protection Bill to penalize assault on lawyers

The Goa Legislative Assembly has passed the Goa Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, aimed at preventing the assault, intimidation, and harassment of lawyers during their professional duties. The legislation, introduced by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, establishes strict penalties for offenses against advocates and their property.

Under the new law, assaulting an advocate can result in up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 55,000. If the assault causes grievous hurt, the penalty increases to up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Criminal intimidation or harassment carries a sentence of up to two years, which may extend to seven years if the threat involves death or destruction of property.

The Bill mandates that all such offenses be cognizable. To prevent misuse, any complaint regarding an advocate's professional conduct must undergo an inquiry by a police officer of at least Deputy Superintendent rank, to be completed within seven days. The Act also allows for the recovery of damages for property loss and reimbursement of medical expenses through court-ordered compensation.