Ishika Mohanty

Profile description

If you have been sentenced under the NDPS Act and fear that an immediate custodial order will disrupt your family and livelihood, the first step is to explore options that can pause the sentence while an appeal is underway. Ishika Mohanty offers exactly that—focused representation that seeks suspension of the sentence and, when appropriate, challenges the very basis of preventive detention.

Holding a doctorate in law from the National Law University, Delhi and a decade of litigation experience, Ishika has earned a reputation for strategic thinking in drug‑related criminal matters. After a distinguished tenure at the Delhi High Court, the lawyer joined a premier Chandigarh firm before launching a boutique practice dedicated to NDPS defense.

In the appellate arena, Ishika regularly assists clients before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, meticulously examining trial transcripts for errors in evidence admissibility, misapplied sections, or procedural irregularities. The lawyer crafts compelling written and oral arguments that draw on recent Supreme Court pronouncements, aiming to reverse convictions that were secured on shaky grounds. A notable victory involved overturning a harsh commercial‑quantity conviction where the prosecution’s forensic report was later deemed unreliable.

When a conviction is already in force, the lawyer can help file a petition for suspension of sentence pending appeal, a remedy that halts imprisonment until the higher court renders a decision. Ishika explains to clients how the High Court evaluates factors such as the nature of the alleged offense, the applicant’s personal circumstances, and the risk of tampering with evidence. By presenting detailed affidavits, character certificates, and expert opinions, the lawyer has secured suspension orders in a majority of cases, often allowing clients to remain out of jail while their appeals progress.

Preventive detention under the NDPS Act is a powerful tool that can keep an accused in custody without trial for extended periods. Ishika can help file writ petitions that question the legality and proportionality of such detention, arguing that the grounds for deprivation of liberty are not substantiated by concrete evidence. The lawyer has successfully obtained orders from the High Court that required the state to produce justifiable cause, leading to release in several instances where detention appeared arbitrary.

Both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India feature prominently in Ishika’s practice. The lawyer has presented preventive‑detention challenges before the apex court, achieving landmark rulings that clarified the standards for lawful detention under the NDPS framework. This dual‑court exposure provides a deep understanding of how the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence filters down to high‑court practice, enabling the lawyer to anticipate arguments and shape strategies that resonate at every judicial level.

Clients who engage Ishika Mohanty can expect a rigorous, transparent process that keeps them informed at every stage. The lawyer prioritises swift filing, thorough research, and a compassionate approach that acknowledges the personal impact of NDPS charges. By combining academic rigor with practical courtroom acumen, the lawyer strives to secure the best possible outcome—whether that means a suspended sentence, a successful appeal, or an outright dismissal of a preventive detention order.

Criminal Law Practice Areas