Maharashtra introduces Advocates Protection Bill after attacks on lawyers

Representation pic

Following a series of attacks on lawyers across Maharashtra, including the assault on advocate Kajal Shelake inside the Kolhapur District Court earlier this year, the state government has introduced the Maharashtra Advocates (Prevention of Violence and Protection) Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Assembly. The Bill proposes stricter punishment, mandatory police response and time-bound investigations into attacks on advocates.

The demand gathered momentum after advocate Kajal Shelake was allegedly assaulted inside the Kolhapur District Court in March this year, triggering state-wide protests and prompting the Bombay High Court to take suo motu cognisance.

Attacks that fuelled demand

March 2026 Kolhapur
>> Advocate Kajal Shelake allegedly assaulted inside District Court
>> Bombay High Court took suo motu cognisance

November 2025 Shevgaon
>> Advocate allegedly attacked while on professional duty

July 2021 Dahisar
>> Two lawyers allegedly attacked with swords and iron rods during a client meeting

December 2018 Nagpur
>> Senior advocate Sadanand Narnawre attacked outside the district court

December 2018 Mumbai
>> Advocate Gunratna Sadavarte allegedly assaulted outside Bombay High Court

Bill in brief

Covers
>> Advocates enrolled under the Advocates Act, 1961
>> Court premises, chambers, and bar rooms
>> Assault, threats, intimidation, and obstruction of work

Punishment
>> Minor hurt: 6 months-2 years + R25,000 fine
>> Grievous hurt: 2-7 years + R50,000-R1 lakh fine
>> Threats/public insult: Minimum 6 months
>> Property damage: Double market-value compensation
>> Medical bills: Recoverable from accused

Investigation
>> Cognisable, non-bailable offences
>> Police inquiry within 24 hours
>> Probe in 30 days
>> Trial within six months
>> District security committee to hear complaints

Safeguard
>> False complaints may attract a fine of up to 00525000

Voices

Bar Council

Advocate Vasant Salunkhe, ex-chairman of Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa and newly elected member of the Council
"Around 2.80 lakh advocates will get protection."

Kolhapur Bar Association

Advocate Rajendra Mandlik, president, Kolhapur Bar Association
"The passing of the Bill is a much-needed step. It will create a separate mechanism with dedicated resources and ensure speedy investigation."

By the numbers

2.80 lakh advocates to be covered
24 hrs for police inquiry
30 days for investigation
Six months for trial
Rs 1 lakh maximum fine for grievous hurt

Data gap

Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, Trustee, Watch Dog Foundation
There is no separate NCRB or Maharashtra government data on attacks against advocates. Such offences are recorded under general IPC/BNS offences, making it impossible to determine how many lawyers are assaulted each year. "Legal bodies have repeatedly highlighted this data gap while demanding a special protection law."