Mandar Rather

Profile description

When an NDPS conviction in a lower court is deemed unjust or the sentence appears disproportionate, the only avenue for a final review lies before the Supreme Court of India. Mandar Rather is the lawyer who specializes in filing Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) that challenge such adverse decisions and strive to overturn them.

Rather earned a first‑class law degree from a national university and subsequently cleared the All India Bar Examination with top marks. After a distinguished clerkship at the Supreme Court bench, Rather joined a boutique advocacy firm where SLPs in high‑profile criminal matters became the core focus. Over the past fifteen years, Rather has filed more than one hundred SLPs, many of which have resulted in substantial relief for NDPS defendants.

An SLP is a discretionary petition that asks the Supreme Court to examine whether a lower court erred in law or fact. Rather meticulously drafts each petition, citing precedents that sharpen the argument for reversal. The lawyer conducts an exhaustive review of trial transcripts, forensic reports, and statutory provisions, pinpointing the exact point where the lower judiciary deviated from established legal standards. This precision equips the Supreme Court to grant leave for a full hearing.

Through this method, Rather has secured SLP approvals in over sixty percent of filed cases, a rate markedly higher than the national average. Notable victories include a case where the Supreme Court set aside a ten‑year imprisonment for a minor possession charge, recognizing that the lower court had misapplied the mandatory sentencing guidelines. In another matter, Rather’s petition led to the quashing of a confiscation order on the basis that the seized property had been unlawfully obtained during the raid.

Rather’s practice emphasizes a client‑centered strategy. The lawyer begins every engagement with a confidential interview to understand the personal impact of the conviction and the client’s objectives. Based on this, Rather drafts a tailored narrative that humanizes the client while rigorously arguing legal errors. The lawyer also prepares comprehensive annexures, including expert opinions on forensic evidence, to strengthen the petition’s factual foundation.

Clients who retain Mandar Rather can expect transparent communication at every stage of the SLP process. Rather provides regular updates on the petition’s status, explains the Supreme Court’s timetable, and prepares the client for possible outcomes, whether it be a reversal, modification of sentence, or a directive for a new trial. This proactive stewardship removes the uncertainty that often accompanies high‑court litigations.

By focusing exclusively on Special Leave Petitions before the Supreme Court, Rather brings a depth of expertise that few other lawyers can match. The lawyer’s track record demonstrates that a well‑crafted SLP can overturn even the toughest NDPS convictions, restoring freedom and reputation. Choosing Mandar Rather means engaging a lawyer who is relentless in pursuing justice at the highest judicial level.

Beyond the petition itself, Rather stays involved through any subsequent hearing, delivering oral arguments that highlight the miscarriage of justice and urging the bench to grant relief. The lawyer also monitors the Supreme Court’s judgments for any evolving jurisprudence that could benefit current clients, ensuring that each case benefits from the most recent legal developments. This continuous engagement often leads to additional reliefs such as compensation for wrongful detention or expungement of criminal records.

Criminal Law Practice Areas