Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal has assured the legal fraternity of extending all possible support within the ambit of Delhi Government. Lawyers in Delhi have been raising concerns about their safety after recent incidents of violence against them. The murder of advocate Virendra Kumar Narwal in broad daylight on April 1, 2023, has further heightened the alarm among the legal community in the state.
A delegation from the Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi met with CM Arvind Kejriwal and submitted a resolution demanding the passage of the ‘Delhi Advocate Protection Act’. The representatives highlighted various incidents of assault that have taken place in the recent past and emphasised the need for this legislation to ensure the safety of the lawyers in Delhi.
CM Arvind Kejriwal acknowledged the concerns raised by the legal community and stated that the government is committed to ensuring their safety.
Through their resolution, the lawyer’s body has claimed that there is a long history of incidents of Murders, Violent Attacks, intimidation, damage of property of Advocates by their or opposite clients in and outside courts of Delhi. They have also raised concerns regarding alleged cases of false implications against lawyers, in the resolution.
They have further argued that it is imperative to prohibit acts of violence against advocates and to penalise such acts and protect advocates. In accordance with the said demands, the committee has sought the notification and enactment of ‘The Delhi Advocate Protection Bill’, on urgent basis. The bill proposes to ensure adequate protection to members of the legal fraternity in discharging their duties as officers of the court without any fear and worry about their protection and social security. The committee has also submitted a draft of the proposed bill to the CM.
The CM assured the lawyers that if the government can legally bring in any such legislation, it will do so at the earliest, however, the feasibility of the same needs to be explored in depth before moving ahead. He asked the committee to discuss the same with the Law Department of Delhi Government, saying that if the bill is feasible legally, the government will get it passed & notified on priority.
The CM also tweeted about the meeting and wrote, “Met a delegation of Bar Associations of District Courts. Due to a recent incident, advocates of Delhi are extremely worried about their safety and are demanding an ‘Advocate Protection Act’. I promise – we will extend all possible help to all the lawyers within the jurisdiction of the Delhi government.”
