Maharashtra Tables Advocates Protection Bill, Proposes Up to 7 Years’ Imprisonment for Serious Assaults on Lawyers
The Maharashtra Government has introduced the Maharashtra Advocates (Prevention of Violence and Protection) Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Assembly, marking one of the most significant legislative efforts in the country to strengthen the safety and legal protection of advocates. The proposed law comes amid growing concern over repeated attacks on lawyers across the state and seeks to create a dedicated legal framework to deter violence against members of the legal profession.
The Bill proposes stringent punishment for individuals who assault advocates while they are discharging their professional duties. According to the draft legislation, causing grievous injuries to a lawyer could attract imprisonment of up to seven years, along with monetary penalties. Lesser acts of violence would also be punishable, with graded penalties depending on the severity of the offence. The legislation further provides for speedy investigation and prosecution to ensure that cases involving attacks on advocates do not remain pending for prolonged periods.
A notable feature of the proposed law is its protection of advocates’ professional infrastructure. If a lawyer’s chamber, office, documents, vehicle or other professional property is damaged during an attack, the accused may be required to compensate the victim by paying up to twice the market value of the loss. This provision aims to discourage targeted destruction of legal offices and ensure meaningful financial restitution for victims.
The legislation also places greater responsibility on law enforcement agencies. Police would be expected to promptly register complaints involving violence against advocates and conduct investigations within prescribed timelines. The government believes that swift police action and stronger statutory safeguards will improve confidence among legal professionals and reinforce the administration of justice.
The demand for a dedicated Advocates Protection Act gained momentum after several incidents of violence against lawyers in Maharashtra, including the alleged assault on advocate Kajal Shelake inside the Kolhapur District Court earlier this year. The incident triggered widespread protests by bar associations and prompted the Bombay High Court to take suo motu cognisance, leading to renewed pressure on the state government to introduce comprehensive legislation for advocates’ safety.
Legal bodies across Maharashtra have largely welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue. Bar associations have argued that advocates, as officers of the court, frequently represent clients in sensitive criminal, civil and commercial disputes, exposing them to threats, intimidation and physical attacks. They contend that dedicated legal protection is necessary to preserve the independence of the legal profession and ensure that advocates can perform their duties without fear.
However, the proposed legislation is likely to undergo detailed legislative scrutiny before becoming law. Members of the Assembly may examine the scope of the offences, safeguards against misuse and the implementation mechanism during debates and committee review. Once enacted, Maharashtra would join the growing list of states that have enacted special legislation to protect advocates from violence while performing their professional responsibilities.
