The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step to address the growing safety concerns faced by advocates in the national capital. During a recent hearing, the court instructed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to provide an update on the status of the Advocates Protection Bill.
This directive comes in light of multiple incidents where lawyers have been attacked or harassed, prompting calls for dedicated legislation to protect them. The petitioner in the case argued that the absence of robust legal safeguards leaves advocates vulnerable while performing their professional duties, especially in high-stakes litigation cases.
The Advocates Protection Bill, if enacted, is expected to include provisions for the physical and professional safety of lawyers, mechanisms for reporting threats, and legal recourse for victims. Advocates’ associations have been urging the government to expedite the process, citing increasing instances of violence against members of the legal fraternity.
The Delhi High Court’s proactive stance reflects its acknowledgment of these challenges and its commitment to ensuring the safety of legal professionals. The matter will be reviewed in the next hearing scheduled for December 16, 2024, where the government is expected to present its progress on the issue.
Delhi High Court Seeks Status Report on Advocates Protection Bill
