A Private Member Bill titled “The Advocates Protection Bill, 2025” has been moved By MLA Atam Nagar S. Kulwant Singh Sidhu before the Hon’ble Speaker, Vidhan Sabha. Sidhu had Earlier Also Raised the Issue Of Scarcity Of Chambers For Lawyers in the Vidhan Sabha Citing The Strength Of Lawyers Of Ludhiana being among the Biggest Bar Associations Of Asia.
Bill has been Moved to address rising incidents of assault, intimidation, and threats against advocates during the discharge of their professional duties. The Bill defines acts of violence to include harassment, assault in court premises or elsewhere, using derogatory language during judicial proceedings, coercion, and obstruction in official duties.
This includes coercion to withdraw vakatnama or to reveal privileged communication between advocate and client. Offenders may face imprisonment from six months to five years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. All offences under the proposed Act are cognizable and non-bailable, with investigations led by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police.
Trials are to be conducted before a District and Sessions Judge, with a target of conclusion within one year. The Bill also aims to prevent malicious prosecutions by imposing a minimum compensation of ₹1 lakh on those filing false or vexatious cases against advocates.
This legislation is a significant step in strengthening the Rule of Law, ensuring advocates can perform their duties without fear or undue pressure.