The Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Advocates Bill, 2023, was introduced in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on February 23, 2023. The Bill seeks to protect advocates from targeted violence to ensure they can effectively render their professional services. Key features of the Bill include:
Prohibition of violence: The Bill prohibits acts of violence against advocates, which prevent the discharge of their duties in relation to pending litigation. Violence refers to any activity that would endanger life, cause bodily harm, or criminally intimidate an advocate. An advocate includes legal practitioners whose name is maintained under the Karnataka State Bar Council. Any lawful restraint or action against an advocate for discharging a law enforcement agency’s duty will not amount to violence.
Arrest of an advocate: If an advocate is arrested for a cognisable offence, the police must notify the President or Secretary of the Advocate’s Association to which the advocate belongs, within 24 hours.
Penalty: Violence against an advocate will be punishable with an imprisonment term of six months to three years, and/or a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both. All offences under the Bill will be tried at a court not below the Court of Judicial Magistrate of First Class.
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