Panaji: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved introducing the Goa Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, in the assembly, proposing a balanced statutory mechanism to safeguard advocates from targeted violence and harassment while also preventing misuse through appropriate checks and penalties.The Bill notes that the Constitution envisages a justice delivery system founded on the rule of law, access to justice, and the independence of institutions essential to the administration of justice. It underscores that advocates, as officers of the court and integral participants in the judicial process, perform a constitutionally significant role in securing rights guaranteed under the Constitution and ensuring the effective enforcement of legal remedies.Citing recent trends, the Bill points to an increasing incidence of violence, intimidation, harassment, false implication, and damage to property directed at advocates because of their professional duties. It states that such acts weaken the independence and fearless functioning of the legal profession and pose a serious threat to the orderly administration of justice. The Bill further argues that interference with advocates in the lawful discharge of their duties ultimately impairs litigants’ fundamental right to legal representation and access to justice.The cabinet said incidents of violence, intimidation, and harassment against advocates, along with cases of advocates being falsely implicated in criminal proceedings, have been reported in various parts of the country, including Goa. It said these incidents endanger the safety and dignity of advocates and adversely affect the administration of justice and the effective functioning of the legal system.Reiterating the role of advocates in assisting courts and safeguarding citizens’ legal rights, the cabinet said any act of violence, threats, or malicious prosecution against advocates while they perform professional duties undermines the rule of law and creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within the legal fraternity.To ensure advocates’ safety and enable them to perform their professional responsibilities without fear or intimidation, the proposed legislation seeks to protect them from violence, threats, obstruction, and false allegations arising from the discharge of their duties.
