Imprisonment for five years, fine of up to 10 lakh, draft for the protection of lawyers

The draft of the Lawyers’ Safety and Security Bill has now been made public by the ‘Bar Council of India’ for the opinion of all the stakeholders.  Opinions, suggestions and feedback can be given on this till July 9.

Legal measures are being taken in the country to protect  from attacks on lawyers.  A law is being brought in this regard.  The draft of the Lawyers’ Safety and Security Bill has now been made public by the ‘Bar Council of India’ for the opinion of all the stakeholders.  Opinions, suggestions and feedback can be given on this till July 9.

A committee of seven experts has prepared the blueprint of the bill

In view of the increasing incidents of attacks on lawyers in recent years, a committee of seven experts has prepared the blueprint of the bill.  The committee has senior advocates and many experienced office-bearers from institutions and organizations associated with lawyers.

(May be presented in the upcoming Parliament session)

Feedback, suggestions and proposals for changes will be received from lawyers across the country, their affiliated institutions and organizations on the bill.  After suitable changes in the draft council bill, it will be sent to the Ministry of Law and Justice.  Then it will go to the table of Parliament.  It is expected that it will be tabled for discussion in the session of Parliament beginning July 19.

The draft bill provides for imprisonment of six months to five years for those convicted of assaulting a lawyer while performing his duty as an officer of the court during the judicial process.

Provision of compensation up to ten lakhs

Apart from this, there is also a provision to give compensation of two to ten lakh rupees to the aggrieved lawyer in case of false complaint, trial or action against him, to take revenge on the lawyer.

Apart from this, the central government has also been asked to make rules that the lawyers of the investigating or prosecuting agency should not be pressured.  Along with this, the central and state governments should ensure that social security and protection are also provided to lawyers during epidemics and natural calamities.

Click Here to download Lawyers Safety and Security Bill Draft