Kerala Advocates Protection Bill Proposed: Up to 5 Years Jail, ₹1 Lakh Fine for Attacks on Lawyers

A forum in Kerala has proposed the Keralam Advocates Protection Bill, 2021, seeking to protect advocates, their kin, and staff from assault, criminal force, intimidation, and threats. The draft Bill proposes punishment of imprisonment up to five years and a fine of ₹1 lakh for those found guilty of such offenses. The proposal was announced on [date] in Kerala, India.

The Bill comes in response to increasing incidents of violence against legal professionals in the state. If enacted, it would provide a legal framework to deter attacks on advocates and their families, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear. The forum has cited the need for such legislation to uphold the rule of law and protect those who defend it.

The proposal is expected to be debated among legal circles and state authorities. While some welcome the move as a necessary safeguard, others may question its potential impact on civil liberties. The next steps involve submitting the draft to the state government for consideration, with possible revisions before it becomes law.