Uttar Pradesh Government Constitutes A Committee To Deliberate On Advocate Protection Law

The committee, formed under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Law, will also consist of the Additional Director General, Prosecution and another member, who would be named by the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council.

The committee was formed days after the Uttar Pradesh Bar Council decided to end its statewide strike and resume work from September 14 on an assurance made by the State's Chief Secretary to constitute a committee to enforce the Advocates Protection Law.

The Lawyers had been protesting an alleged police lathi-charge on advocates in the Hapur district last month and they have been demanding action against the erring police officials as well as seeking enforcement of an Advocates Protection Law.

It may be noted that earlier this year, Rajasthan became the first State in the country to enact a law granting protection to advocates from assault and grievous hurt. The Advocates Protection Bill was tabled in the State legislative assembly last week and passed today with certain amendments, by voice vote.

The Bill aims to provide for the prevention of offences of assault, grievous hurt, criminal force, and criminal intimidation against the advocates, in connection with the discharge of duties as an advocate, and damage or loss to their property.