Porvorim: State govt on Tuesday passed the Goa Advocate Protection Bill, 2026, proposing up to seven years’ imprisonment and fines up to Rs 1 lakh for attacks on lawyers. Assault or use of criminal force against an advocate may attract up to two years in jail and a fine up to Rs 55,000. Causing grievous hurt carries punishment up to seven years and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh. Criminal intimidation or harassment may draw up to two years and a fine up to Rs 25,000, rising to seven years if threats involve death, grievous hurt, or property destruction.Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira urged sending the Bill to a select committee, questioning the haste. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai flagged contradictions, citing an advocate jailed at a police station. Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral noted most advocates act professionally, but some do not. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said the Bill followed Bar Council consultations and amendments could follow.The House also passed the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to ensure fair elections and population-based representation, clarifying OBC seat reservations, along with several other amendment bills, including GST, medicare violence prevention, motor vehicles tax, and Indian stamp.
