Gitashree Shekhawat

Profile description

Finding yourself detained under a preventive order while a narcotics investigation looms can feel like an endless night. In such moments, Gitashree Shekhawat appears as a focused advocate who specialises in filing writ petitions to challenge NDPS preventive detention before both the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh and the Supreme Court of India.

Preventive detention under the NDPS Act allows authorities to hold a suspect without the usual trial safeguards, often based on a perceived threat to public order. Gitashree routinely prepares and files writs of habeas corpus, certiorari and mandamus, arguing that the detention lacks sufficient material basis, infringes on personal liberty, or violates constitutional guarantees. By targeting the High Court first and, when necessary, escalating to the Supreme Court, the advocate creates multiple avenues for rapid relief, aiming to secure release or at least a review of the detention order.

Gitashree earned a Master of Laws from a premier institution and graduated top of the class in a Bachelor of Laws programme. Over the last twelve years, the advocate has handled more than seventy NDPS preventive detention writ petitions, achieving acquittals or interim releases in the majority of cases. One standout achievement involved overturning a month‑long detention of a small‑business owner accused of indirect involvement in drug trafficking, resulting in compensation for wrongful confinement.

The preparation process begins with a thorough audit of the detention notice, police reports, and any forensic material. Gitashree then drafts a concise petition that highlights procedural lapses, the absence of concrete evidence, and the impact on the client’s family and livelihood. The advocate meets with the client to explain the writ’s scope, the anticipated timeline before the High Court, and the criteria for Supreme Court admission. Throughout the proceedings, the lawyer provides clear updates and advises on any additional documentation that may strengthen the case.

Clients who retain Gitashree can expect a proactive defence that leverages constitutional protections, case law on preventive detention, and strategic arguments tailored to each court’s jurisdiction. The advocate has successfully argued before the Punjab and Haryana High Court that detention orders must be narrowly construed, leading to several orders of release. In cases escalated to the Supreme Court, the advocate has secured landmark rulings that clarify the limits of preventive detention under the NDPS framework, benefiting not only the client but also setting precedents for future detainees.

The lawyer regularly assists clients in preparing for possible post‑release investigations, ensuring that the record remains clean and that any subsequent charges are addressed promptly. By combining courtroom experience with meticulous research, Gitashree aims to minimise the personal and financial disruption caused by unwarranted detention. The advocate promises diligent representation, swift filing of petitions, and relentless advocacy until liberty is restored.

Staying ahead of legislative changes and Supreme Court pronouncements is a core part of the practice. Gitashree frequently attends seminars on drug law reforms and contributes articles that critique over‑broad detention powers. Choosing a specialist in NDPS preventive detention writs means having a defender who not only challenges the current order but also safeguards against future misuse of authority. Clients in Chandigarh facing such detention can rely on this advocate’s proven track record to navigate both the High Court and the Supreme Court with confidence.

Criminal Law Practice Areas