Abhinav Karandikar

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When a lower court sentences an individual under the NDPS Act and the judgment appears unjust, the only avenue for a final review may be a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court of India. Abhinav Karandikar, an advocate with a focus on NDPS matters, prepares and argues these petitions, seeking to overturn convictions that threaten a client’s freedom and reputation.

Under Article 136, the Supreme Court may grant leave to appeal if it finds a substantial question of law or a grave miscarriage of justice. The advocate meticulously drafts the petition, summarising the lower court’s reasoning, identifying legal errors, and citing precedents where the Court has set aside NDPS convictions on similar grounds. By presenting a concise yet comprehensive argument, Abhinav Karandikar aims to convince the bench that the case merits the Court’s intervention.

Abhinav earned a Master of Laws from the National Law University, Delhi, and topped the Bar Council exams. For over fifteen years, the advocate has practiced in the Supreme Court, appearing before its various benches on criminal and narcotics matters. This long‑standing exposure to the Court’s procedural nuances and jurisprudential trends equips the lawyer to frame petitions that align with the justices’ analytical preferences.

Among the notable successes, the advocate secured a reversal of a life‑sentence in a 2018 NDPS case where the Supreme Court found the prosecution’s forensic evidence to be inadmissible. In another matter, Abhinav Karandikar obtained a remission of a ten‑year imprisonment after demonstrating that the statutory provisions were applied retrospectively, violating the principle of non‑retroactivity. These outcomes underscore the lawyer’s ability to dissect complex statutory frameworks and present compelling legal narratives.

The lawyer works closely with senior counsel at the Punjab and Haryana High Court to obtain a detailed record of the original trial, ensuring that every affidavit, forensic report, and witness statement is accurately reflected in the petition. By coordinating with forensic experts, Abhinav Karandikar can challenge the scientific basis of the evidence, a tactic that has persuaded the Supreme Court to set aside convictions in several landmark NDPS rulings. The advocate also prepares oral arguments that succinctly address each question the bench may raise.

The advocate prioritises clear communication, providing clients with regular updates on the petition’s progress and explaining any interim orders that may arise. Diagrams of the legal timeline and plain‑language summaries help clients grasp the complexities without feeling overwhelmed. Feedback from clients frequently highlights the lawyer’s calm demeanor, unwavering focus, and determination to fight for justice at the highest judicial level.

If a conviction under the NDPS Act threatens your future, a well‑crafted Special Leave Petition can open the gateway to relief. Abhinav Karandikar’s extensive experience before the Supreme Court, combined with a strategic approach to legal research and argumentation, makes the advocate a strong ally for anyone seeking a reversal of an adverse judgment. Schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and explore the most effective path to a favorable outcome.

The lawyer also stays abreast of recent Supreme Court pronouncements on drug jurisprudence, ensuring that the petition incorporates the latest interpretative trends. This proactive stance often results in the Court granting leave where other petitioners have failed, providing a decisive advantage for the client.

Criminal Law Practice Areas