Arunachal Cabinet Clears Advocates Protection Bill, 2026; State Moves to Safeguard Legal Fraternity
In a significant step towards strengthening the safety and independence of the legal profession, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Arunachal Pradesh Advocates Protection Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation aims to provide statutory protection to advocates against violence, intimidation and damage to their property while they are performing their professional duties. If enacted by the State Legislature, it will become the first dedicated law in Arunachal Pradesh to protect advocates.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu as part of a broader package of legal and administrative reforms. The government stated that the proposed law seeks to ensure that advocates can discharge their constitutional and professional responsibilities without fear of threats, coercion or physical attacks. The move reflects growing recognition of the need to protect legal practitioners who frequently handle sensitive civil, criminal and constitutional matters.
According to the Cabinet’s announcement, the proposed legislation is intended to safeguard both the lives and properties of advocates practicing across Arunachal Pradesh. While the government has not yet released the complete text of the Bill, it has indicated that the law will serve as a deterrent against offences targeting members of the legal profession and strengthen institutional support for advocates in the state. Detailed provisions, including the nature of offences and penalties, are expected to become available when the Bill is introduced and debated in the Legislative Assembly.
The approval of the Bill comes amid a nationwide push by bar associations for dedicated legislation protecting lawyers from assaults, intimidation and obstruction of professional duties. Several states have either enacted or proposed similar laws after repeated incidents involving attacks on advocates and demands from the legal fraternity for stronger statutory safeguards. Arunachal Pradesh’s proposal aligns with this emerging legislative trend and underscores the growing emphasis on ensuring the safety of officers of the court.
Alongside the Advocates Protection Bill, the Cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, High Court Legal Services Committee and District Legal Services Authority (Officers and Employees) Service Rules, 2026. These rules are aimed at strengthening the administrative framework of legal services institutions and improving access to justice across the state. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Junior Librarian (Law) Recruitment Rules, 2020, as part of its broader legal reforms agenda.
Legal experts have welcomed the Cabinet’s decision, observing that advocates play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights. They argue that ensuring the safety of lawyers is essential for maintaining public confidence in the justice delivery system. However, they also note that the effectiveness of the proposed legislation will ultimately depend on its final provisions, enforcement mechanisms and prompt implementation after enactment.
The Bill will now proceed through the legislative process in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly. Once passed and notified, it is expected to establish a comprehensive statutory framework for protecting advocates from violence and intimidation, reinforcing the independence of the legal profession and strengthening the administration of justice in the state.
