Mahesh Rathore

Profile description

If a conviction under the NDPS Act has already been handed down and you are waiting for an appeal in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, you may be looking for ways to avoid serving the sentence while the appeal is decided. Falguni Hegde offers dedicated representation that focuses on obtaining a suspension of sentence pending appeal, a remedy that can preserve personal freedom during the lengthy appellate process.

Falguni Hegde holds an LLB from Guru Nanak Dev University and an LLM in Criminal Justice from the National Law Institute University. Over the past twelve years, the advocate has built a practice around high‑court criminal matters, with a particular emphasis on NDPS cases. Regular appearances before the Punjab and Haryana High Court have given the lawyer a nuanced grasp of the procedural avenues that the court uses to stay or suspend sentences pending a final decision.

The suspension of sentence pending appeal is a discretionary relief that the High Court can grant when it is convinced that the appellant’s continued incarceration would cause irreparable hardship or when the merits of the appeal appear promising. Falguni Hegde regularly assists clients by preparing a comprehensive suspension petition that outlines factual background, highlights procedural irregularities, and points to precedents where the court has exercised its power to stay execution of a sentence. The lawyer can help you demonstrate why immediate release serves the interests of justice without compromising public safety.

Recent victories include a case where the High Court suspended a ten‑year rigorous imprisonment term for a large‑quantity narcotics conviction after the lawyer showed that the trial court had failed to consider a crucial forensic report. In another matter, Falguni Hegde secured a stay of execution for a client whose sentence was based on an alleged illegal search, later leading to the appellate court overturning the conviction. Clients frequently praise the lawyer’s ability to craft precise arguments and to negotiate with the prosecution for a compassionate interim order.

During an initial meeting, Falguni Hegde will review the conviction order, gather evidence of personal circumstances, and outline the steps required to file a suspension petition. The lawyer can explain the timeline, the documentation needed, and the costs involved, ensuring that you understand each stage. Throughout the pendency of the appeal, the advocate provides regular status reports, files any necessary affidavits, and appears before the bench to argue for the continuation of the suspension.

Beyond the suspension, the lawyer remains engaged in the appellate proceedings, preparing a robust fresh appeal that challenges the conviction on both substantive and procedural grounds. The advocate’s strategic approach aims not only at preserving liberty during the appeal but also at achieving an eventual acquittal or a reduced sentence. By aligning courtroom tactics with a thorough examination of the case file, the lawyer maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.

Choosing Falguni Hegde means partnering with a professional who blends legal expertise, courtroom experience, and client‑focused communication. The lawyer’s dedication to each case, whether through a successful suspension of sentence or a persuasive appellate brief, reflects a commitment to securing justice for individuals entangled in NDPS proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The lawyer also monitors subsequent case law, ensuring that any new Supreme Court guidelines are promptly incorporated into your defence strategy, reinforcing the likelihood of a lasting favorable result.

Criminal Law Practice Areas