The Karnataka State Assembly recently cleared significant bills aimed at protecting the rights of advocates and suggesting airport renaming in tribute to eminent personalities. The legislation, known as the Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Advocates Bill, seeks to safeguard the rights of lawyers by defining acts constituting violence against them and establishing punitive measures for such actions. Offenders may face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both, as outlined by the bill. Importantly, law enforcement agencies are mandated to promptly inform the relevant advocates’ association upon the arrest of an advocate for a cognizable offence, as stipulated by this legislation.
Officials familiar with the development emphasized that offences falling under the purview of the bill will be tried by a court not lower than the court of judicial magistrate of first class.
In a parallel move, the Karnataka assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union government to rename four airports in the state as a tribute to distinguished personalities. Under this resolution, the proposed renamings include Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna for Hubballi airport, Kittur Rani Chennamma for Belagavi airport, Rashtrakavi Dr KV Puttappa (Kuvempu) for Shivamogga airport, and Sri Jagadjyoti Basaveshwara for Vijayapura airport. Infrastructure development minister MB Patil, leading the resolution, indicated that these proposed names would be formally submitted to the central government.
However, discussions regarding the renaming of Mangaluru airport faced a temporary halt when BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar proposed renaming it after Koti Channaiah. Speaker UT Khader expressed the need for further deliberation on the matter due to the demand for naming it after Veera Rani Abbakka.
Additionally, the assembly passed another bill, the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Second Amendment) Bill, which aims to introduce reservations for OBC communities in government construction contracts up to ₹1 crore.
These legislative decisions reflect a concerted effort by the Karnataka assembly to protect legal rights, honor distinguished figures, and introduce measures for community representation in public procurements.
Sources By Agencies
