Criminal Defence
Bail, anticipatory bail, quashing of FIRs, trials and appeals under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and special statutes.
Criminal defence covers representation of an accused person from the first police complaint through investigation, bail, trial and appeal, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and special statutes such as the PMLA, NDPS Act and the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Criminal matters move fast at the start and slowly afterwards. The first days after an FIR decide whether a person is arrested, and the firm treats anticipatory bail, regular bail and quashing petitions as urgent work. Khalid Akhtar leads this practice before the Delhi courts, the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.
We defend economic offences and white-collar allegations, cheque dishonour prosecutions, offences against the person, and cases under special statutes. The firm has also taken on defence work pro bono where the accused could not otherwise be represented, including in the Tablighi Jamaat matters of 2020.
What we handle
- Anticipatory bail and regular bail applications (Sections 480-483, BNSS)
- Quashing of FIRs and criminal proceedings (Section 528, BNSS)
- Trials before Magistrate and Sessions Courts, Delhi
- Criminal appeals and revisions in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court
- White-collar and economic offences, cheque dishonour (Section 138, NI Act)
- Complaints, private prosecutions and protection of victims' rights
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if an FIR has been registered against me in Delhi?
Do not approach the police or the complainant informally. Obtain a copy of the FIR (it is available on the Delhi Police website for most offences), keep every document that supports your position, and consult a criminal lawyer at once. If arrest is possible, an anticipatory bail application can be moved in the Sessions Court or the Delhi High Court.
Can an FIR be quashed?
Yes, the High Court can quash an FIR or criminal proceedings under Section 528 of the BNSS (earlier Section 482 CrPC) where the allegations do not disclose an offence, the proceedings are an abuse of process, or the parties have settled a compoundable or predominantly private dispute.
How is bail decided?
Courts weigh the seriousness of the offence, the evidence against the accused, the risk of flight or tampering with witnesses, the accused's antecedents, and the period of custody already undergone. For bailable offences bail is a right; for non-bailable offences it is at the court's discretion.
Who handles this
Related insights
- Received a Police Notice under Section 35 BNSS (formerly 41A CrPC)? Here Is What It MeansA notice of appearance from the police is not an arrest, but how you respond to it shapes the rest of the case.22 April 2025
- Defending a Cheque Bounce Case: Grounds Available to the AccusedA complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act carries a statutory presumption against the drawer, but it is a rebuttable one.08 April 2025
- Regular Bail, Anticipatory Bail and Default Bail: What Each One MeansBail comes in three forms under Indian law, each available at a different stage and on different conditions.25 February 2025
- Quashing an FIR in the Delhi High Court: Grounds, Process and ChancesThe Delhi High Court can quash an FIR or criminal proceedings where continuing them would be an abuse of the process of court.11 February 2025
- An FIR Has Been Registered Against You: What to Do in the First Seven DaysThe first week after an FIR is registered decides whether a person is arrested and how strong their defence will be.28 January 2025
- How to Apply for Anticipatory Bail in Delhi under Section 482 BNSSAnticipatory bail is an order directing that a person be released on bail if arrested.14 January 2025
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Limitation periods and procedures depend on the facts of each matter; please take advice before acting.