Chennai, Oct 9:
A delegation representing the Federation of Bar Associations of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry met State Law Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar in Chennai on Thursday and submitted a draft bill proposing a dedicated law for the protection of advocates.
The proposed Tamil Nadu Advocates (Protection) Act is intended to provide specific legal safeguards for lawyers and address concerns about their safety while performing professional duties. The delegation submitted provisions that it wants the government to consider incorporating into legislation.
The demand comes amid calls from sections of the legal fraternity for stronger measures to protect advocates against threats and attacks linked to their professional work. A dedicated law could establish a clearer framework for responding to incidents involving lawyers, subject to the provisions ultimately approved by the government and enacted by the legislature.
The minister’s meeting with the delegation marks a step in the process of presenting the proposal to the State government. However, the submission of a draft bill does not mean that the legislation has been enacted or that its provisions have come into force.
The government’s response and any further discussions on the proposed legislation will be watched by lawyers across the State.