Lokesh Dhanasekaran

Profile description

If you have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and are looking for a chance to have the case dismissed, the first step is to find a lawyer who understands how to attack the procedural foundations of the charge. Lokesh Dhanasekaran, a seasoned advocate practising in Chandigarh, offers that expertise.

Lokesh Dhanasekaran earned a law degree from Panjab University and spent the early years of his career as a research associate with a leading criminal law think‑tank. Over the past fifteen years he has built a practice focused exclusively on NDPS matters. He has appeared before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh dozens of times and has also argued before the Supreme Court of India on matters of national significance. Clients appreciate his analytical rigor and his calm demeanor during high‑stress hearings.

The NDPS Act contains numerous technical provisions that can be questioned on the basis of jurisdiction, evidence handling, or statutory interpretation. Lokesh Dhanasekaran regularly assists clients in filing petitions to quash pending NDPS proceedings. He begins with a detailed forensic review of the charge sheet, the seizure report, and the chain‑of‑custody documents. When inconsistencies emerge, he drafts precise arguments that demonstrate how the prosecution’s case fails to meet the statutory threshold for a valid charge. In several recent cases he succeeded in having the High Court set aside entire investigations, saving clients from prolonged detention and protecting their reputations.

When a matter escalates to the Supreme Court, the most effective tool is a Special Leave Petition (SLP). Lokesh Dhanasekaran can explain when an SLP is appropriate and can craft a petition that highlights constitutional violations, miscarriage of law, or fundamental rights breaches. He collaborates with senior counsel at the Supreme Court to ensure that the brief adheres to the highest standards of legal drafting. His track record includes multiple SLPs that have been granted special leave, leading to the reversal of adverse judgments and the restoration of bail for clients caught in the NDPS net.

Both the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh and the Supreme Court of India feature in Lokesh Dhanasekaran’s daily practice. He is familiar with the procedural nuances of each bench and maintains regular contact with the clerks who manage NDPS dockets. This inside knowledge allows him to file applications at the optimal stage of the proceedings, shortening the time to resolution. Clients repeatedly commend his willingness to keep them informed, translating complex statutes into plain language they can act on. Lokesh Dhanasekaran promises diligent representation, aggressive advocacy, and a realistic assessment of each case’s strengths. Whether the goal is to secure an immediate bail order, to obtain a full quash of the investigation, or to achieve a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court, he works with the same determination to protect the client’s liberty and future.

In addition to courtroom work, Lokesh Dhanasekaran conducts regular workshops for accused persons and their families, explaining the rights available under the NDPS Act and the steps to secure the best possible outcome. His success rate exceeds ninety percent for petitions that aim to dismiss or mitigate NDPS charges.

Criminal Law Practice Areas