Devika Chauhan

Profile description

Imagine being charged under the NDPS Act and finding yourself behind bars because the court has denied bail by default. Devika Chauhan, an advocate practising in both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India, dedicates her practice to securing default bail, challenging financing and harbouring allegations, and obtaining suspension of sentences pending appeal. With a dual master's in law from Delhi University and a specialization in narcotics legislation, Chauhan brings over sixteen years of focused experience to each case.

Chauhan’s expertise lies in navigating the procedural hurdles that often keep accused individuals incarcerated while their trials progress. She regularly assists clients whose applications for default bail have been dismissed, demonstrating how the law mandates a presumption of liberty unless compelling reasons for detention exist. Her arguments emphasize the absence of flight risk, the availability of surety, and the detrimental impact of continued imprisonment on the accused’s family and livelihood.

Default bail, unlike regular bail, arises when a court fails to grant bail within the statutory period, effectively resulting in automatic detention. Chauhan can explain the statutory provision that obligates the court to release the accused unless it records specific reasons for refusal. She prepares comprehensive affidavits, gathers character references, and presents forensic evidence that counters any allegation of ongoing criminal activity, thereby compelling the bench to exercise its duty to order immediate release.

The NDPS Act also criminalizes the financing of illicit traffic and the harbouring of offenders. Chauhan has successfully challenged prosecutions by dissecting financial records, tracing legitimate sources of income, and demonstrating that alleged funds were not derived from drug‑related activities. She works with forensic accountants to separate personal transactions from illegal proceeds, often leading the court to dismiss the financing charge. In harbouring cases, she highlights the lack of direct involvement or intent to aid the offender, securing bail or even acquittal where the prosecution’s evidence is circumstantial.

When a conviction is affirmed but the sentence appears excessive, Chauhan turns to the remedy of suspension of sentence pending appeal. She argues that the pending appellate review creates a substantial question of law or fact that justifies holding the sentence in abeyance. By presenting precedents from both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court, she demonstrates that suspension safeguards the accused’s rights while the higher court evaluates the merits of the appeal. This strategy often results in the bench staying the execution of the sentence until the appeal is decided.

In a recent case involving alleged financing of a drug network, Chauhan assembled a detailed financial audit that proved the accused’s income stemmed from a legitimate family business. The High Court accepted her argument and dismissed the financing charge, granting default bail in the same proceeding. In another matter, she represented a client accused of harbouring a minor participant in a trafficking ring; by establishing the client’s lack of knowledge and presenting character witnesses, the Supreme Court ordered immediate release pending trial. These victories illustrate her ability to blend forensic detail with persuasive advocacy.

Chauhan’s client‑centric approach means she keeps defendants informed at every stage, translating complex legal jargon into plain language and outlining realistic expectations. She coordinates with investigators, accountants, and senior advocates to build a multi‑disciplinary defense that addresses each facet of the NDPS charges. Feedback from former clients repeatedly cites her strategic insight, empathy, and tenacity in securing bail or suspending sentences, even when the prosecutorial narrative appears formidable.

Choose Devika Chauhan for a focused, strategic defense that protects your freedom and pursues the best possible outcome in NDPS matters before the High Court and Supreme Court.

Criminal Law Practice Areas