Pranay Sankhla

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Facing a conviction under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act can feel like an endless battle, especially when the imposed sentence carries severe imprisonment and financial penalties. In such moments, filing an appeal in the Punjab and Haryana High Court or, when necessary, taking the matter to the Supreme Court of India becomes essential. Pranay Sankhla, an experienced advocate based in Chandigarh, concentrates his practice on NDPS appeals and on securing suspension of sentences while an appeal is pending, offering clients a lifeline during a daunting legal ordeal.

An NDPS appeal challenges the correctness of the trial court’s findings, the quantum of narcotics determined, or the legal interpretation applied. Sankhla conducts a comprehensive review of the judgment, identifying misstatements of fact, procedural lapses, or instances where the law was misconstrued. He then drafts a persuasive appeal memorandum that aligns with the high‑court’s precedent on drug‑related cases, highlighting any violation of the accused’s constitutional rights. By presenting clear, well‑structured arguments and supporting them with authoritative case law, he increases the likelihood that the appellate bench will modify, set aside, or remit the conviction.

While an appeal proceeds, the accused may remain incarcerated unless a suspension of the sentence is obtained. Sankhla routinely files applications for suspension before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and where the legal issues merit it, he escalates the request to the Supreme Court of India. His petitions stress factors such as the accused’s health, family responsibilities, and the absence of any risk of tampering with evidence. By demonstrating that continued imprisonment would cause irreparable harm and that the appeal raises substantial questions of law, he persuades the courts to grant interim relief, allowing the client to remain out of custody until the final decision is rendered.

Sankhla earned his LL.B. from the University of Punjab and completed a Master’s in Criminal Litigation at the National Law University, Bengaluru. Over the past fourteen years he has argued regularly before both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India, handling a broad spectrum of NDPS matters. His deep familiarity with appellate procedure, combined with a reputation for meticulous legal research, enables him to navigate complex statutory provisions and craft arguments that resonate with senior judges.

In a recent high‑profile case, Sankhla secured the suspension of a ten‑year imprisonment order for a commercial‑quantity offence while the appeal was pending, citing the client’s deteriorating health and the lack of any evidence of flight risk. The High Court later reduced the sentence by half after finding that the trial court had misapplied the NDPS quantity thresholds. In another matter, his appeal before the Supreme Court of India resulted in a landmark judgment clarifying the interpretation of ‘commercial quantity,’ leading to the acquittal of several co‑accused.

Clients appreciate Sankhla’s transparent communication and his willingness to explain each step of the appellate process in plain language. He conducts an in‑depth case analysis, outlines realistic timelines, and keeps the client informed of every development, whether it is a hearing date, a written order, or a response from the opposing side. His dedication to punctual filing and persuasive oral advocacy has earned commendations from both the bench and fellow practitioners, fostering confidence that his representation will protect their rights throughout the appeal.

If you are confronting an NDPS conviction that appears unjust, Pranay Sankhla can assess your appeal options and seek suspension of the sentence while the case proceeds. He aims to protect your rights and restore your freedom.

Criminal Law Practice Areas