On Wednesday, the Advocate Protection Act was introduced in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. The bill was introduced in the House on Minister Shanti Dhariwal’s behalf.
Following that, the lawyers expressed their delight. This bill is expected to be passed by the assembly on March 22.
Features of the Bill
The Bill Aims to provide for the prevention of the offences of assault, grievous hurt, criminal force and criminal intimidation against the advocates and damage or loss to the property of advocates.
Section 3 of the Bill prohibits assault, grievous hurt, criminal force and criminal intimidation on Advocates in connection with the discharge of duties of the advocate in the court premises.
Section 4 provides that on any report made to the police by an advocate in respect to any offence mentioned in section 3 of the Act committed against him, the police may, if deems fit, provide him protection for such period and in such manner as prescribed in the rules.
Section 5 deals with penalties and punishments for offences against the lawyers.
Section 8 makes provision for compensation to advocates and further Section 10 provides for liability to pay damages.
Let us tell you, there has been a long-standing demand from lawyers in Rajasthan for an Advocates Protection Act.
Lawyers have been boycotting judicial work in all courts across the state since February 20, and the boycott is still ongoing. Representatives of the Advocates Union recently met with ministers at the government level.
The government assured them that the bill would be introduced in the House on March 15th.
However, the lawyers’ work boycott continues. Lawyers say that until the Advocate Protection Act is passed by the legislature the work boycott will continue until then.
