Nandini Chouhan

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If you have been arrested on NDPS charges and the court has not yet granted bail, the period of detention can feel endless. Nandini Chouhan is a lawyer who specializes in securing default bail for NDPS cases, working before the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh and the Supreme Court of India. The lawyer’s practice is dedicated to ensuring that clients do not remain incarcerated while their legal arguments are still being prepared.

Chouhan earned a law degree from Panjab University and later completed a Master’s in Criminal Law from the National Law School of India University. After four years as an associate to a senior advocate renowned for NDPS defence, Chouhan established an independent practice twelve years ago. Since then, the lawyer has handled more than one hundred default bail applications, building a reputation for rapid, effective relief.

Default bail is sought when a lower court has denied regular bail or when the investigation is ongoing without a clear timeline for trial. Chouhan regularly assists clients in filing applications that highlight the right to liberty, the presumption of innocence, and any procedural lapses in the initial detention order. The lawyer’s submissions often include character references, proof of stable residence, and assurances of cooperation with investigative agencies. By presenting a clear picture of low flight risk and strong community ties, Chouhan can persuade the court to release the accused while the case proceeds.

The lawyer has appeared before the Punjab and Haryana High Court on numerous occasions, obtaining default bail even in cases involving large quantities of narcotics. When the legal questions required a higher authority, Chouhan prepared and presented petitions before the Supreme Court of India, securing leave to intervene and obtain interim relief that kept clients out of prison. These higher‑court interventions demonstrate the lawyer’s ability to navigate complex procedural requirements and to argue convincingly at every level.

One notable example involved a client accused of importing a multi‑kilogram shipment of contraband. The trial court denied bail, but Chouhan filed a default bail petition that emphasized irregularities in the evidence collection and the client’s clean record. The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted bail within three days. In another matter, the Supreme Court of India issued an order directing the lower court to reconsider the bail application after Chouhan highlighted a violation of statutory safeguards, resulting in the client’s release pending trial.

Chouhan’s approach prioritises clear communication and realistic expectations. The lawyer conducts an initial case review, explains the options for default bail, and outlines the anticipated timeline for filings and hearings. Throughout the process, Chouhan provides regular updates, answers queries promptly, and works to minimise the disruption to the client’s family and employment. By keeping the client informed, the lawyer reduces anxiety and allows the client to focus on cooperating with the investigation.

Beyond courtroom advocacy, Chouhan writes frequently on NDPS bail jurisprudence for leading legal journals and conducts workshops for junior lawyers on bail strategy. Client feedback consistently praises the lawyer’s empathy, thorough preparation, and unwavering focus on securing freedom as quickly as possible. Chouhan’s commitment is to combine deep legal knowledge with strategic advocacy, ensuring that every client receives the best chance of obtaining default bail and preserving their right to a fair trial.

Criminal Law Practice Areas