Debayan Khanna

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When a trial court in Chandigarh has upheld a conviction under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the sentence appears disproportionate, the final lever available to many defendants is a Special Leave Petition to the Supreme Court of India. Debayan Khanna is the advocate who specialises in preparing and arguing these petitions, focusing exclusively on NDPS matters that demand the Court’s discretionary review.

Khanna graduated with honours from the Faculty of Law at Jamia Millia Islamia and completed a postgraduate diploma in Constitutional Law from the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. After ten years of practising at a leading Chandigarh law firm, the advocate moved to the Supreme Court bar where a reputation for meticulous research and persuasive writing quickly developed. Over the past twelve years Khanna has filed more than fifty Special Leave Petitions in NDPS cases, achieving leave in the majority of instances and securing reversals, modifications, or remissions of sentences in several landmark judgments.

The key to a successful Special Leave Petition lies in identifying a substantial question of law that the Supreme Court can address. Khanna’s method starts with a thorough audit of the trial and appellate records, searching for errors such as misinterpretation of “knowledge” under Section 30 of the NDPS Act, improper admission of intercepted communications, or failure to apply the principle of proportionality in sentencing. The advocate then drafts a concise petition that frames these issues as matters of national importance, supporting each point with citations to past Supreme Court rulings and scholarly commentary. By attaching expert reports—such as forensic analysis that questions the purity of the seized drug or financial audits that dispute alleged proceeds—Khanna builds a factual foundation that strengthens the legal argument.

Clients often worry about the lengthy timeline and the limited scope of relief that the Supreme Court can grant. Khanna addresses these concerns directly, explaining that the Court may issue a stay of execution, remand the matter for fresh evidence, or set aside the conviction altogether if a serious legal flaw is demonstrated. The advocate also outlines realistic assessments of the probability of leave being granted, based on the strength of the legal questions raised and the presence of any precedent that supports the petitioner’s position.

In the courtroom, Khanna presents oral arguments that are succinct, well‑structured, and anchored in the written petition. The advocate’s style respects the bench’s time while persuasively highlighting how an error in interpreting the NDPS statute could affect not only the petitioner but also future cases across the country. Several recent Supreme Court judgments have quoted passages from Khanna’s petitions, particularly on the requirement that the prosecution establish “knowledge” beyond reasonable doubt and on the need to differentiate between personal consumption and commercial trafficking.

Beyond the petition itself, Khanna remains engaged with the client throughout the appeal process. The advocate provides regular updates on the status of the petition, prepares the client for possible outcomes, and coordinates with senior counsel for any supplementary filings that might be required. By maintaining an open line of communication, Khanna ensures that the client feels informed and empowered despite the complexity of the Supreme Court’s procedures.

If your NDPS conviction has reached a point where only the Supreme Court can intervene, you can rely on an advocate who has turned the intricacies of Special Leave Petitions into actionable relief. Debayan Khanna can help you frame the critical legal issues, assemble a compelling dossier of evidence, and argue before the nation’s highest judicial forum. The advocate’s dedication to thorough preparation, strategic advocacy, and a client‑centred approach makes Khanna a valuable partner in the quest for justice at the apex level.

Criminal Law Practice Areas