Aaqib Jha

Profile description

Imagine being told that law enforcement agencies have issued a look‑out circular against you, preventing you from leaving India even though you reside abroad. The circular can freeze assets, stall business, and create constant anxiety. Aaqib Jha focuses on look‑out circular writ petitions, NRI criminal appeals, and challenges to foreign travel restrictions, offering a clear path to restore your freedom.

Aaqib Jha holds a Master of Laws from a prestigious Indian university and brings over twelve years of experience in high‑court criminal practice. The lawyer started as an assistant in a reputed firm that handled complex criminal appeals, then founded an independent practice in Chandigarh that concentrates on NRI criminal matters. Over the career, the lawyer has successfully overturned multiple look‑out circulars and secured favorable outcomes on criminal appeals that involved international jurisdictions.

The first priority when a look‑out circular is issued is to file a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The lawyer regularly assists clients in drafting urgent petitions that highlight the lack of substantive evidence, the violation of personal liberty, and the undue hardship caused by the circular. By presenting passport copies, proof of residence, and affidavits from foreign employers, the lawyer can convince the bench to suspend the circular pending further investigation.

In parallel, many NRI clients face criminal convictions or pending sentences that need to be appealed at the high‑court level. The lawyer can prepare comprehensive appeal briefs, gather fresh evidence from overseas, and argue for reduction of sentence, acquittal, or conversion of imprisonment into a fine where appropriate. The lawyer’s deep knowledge of procedural rules and precedent enables swift filing of appeals that keep the client’s legal standing intact.

Travel bans imposed by Indian authorities often affect NRI professionals who need to attend conferences, medical treatment, or family events abroad. The lawyer challenges such restrictions by filing writs that question the proportionality of the ban and request the court to issue a ‘no‑objection’ certificate. The lawyer can also engage with the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate the issuance of clearances once the court’s order is in place.

All of these matters are addressed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh, the jurisdiction that hears NRI criminal petitions arising in northern India. The lawyer’s regular appearance before the bench has built a rapport with several judges, allowing the lawyer to anticipate concerns and tailor arguments effectively. The lawyer has a record of obtaining interim relief that prevents asset seizure while the substantive issues are being resolved.

The lawyer’s practice style blends rigorous legal analysis with transparent client communication. The lawyer conducts an initial fact‑finding interview to map out the client’s overseas situation, passport status, and the specific legal notice received. Throughout the case, the lawyer provides concise updates, explains each step of the writ or appeal process, and collaborates with foreign counsel to ensure that all evidence meets Indian court standards. The lawyer also prepares detailed checklists to gather supporting documents, such as travel itineraries, bank statements, and employment contracts.

If you are an NRI grappling with a look‑out circular, a criminal appeal, or a travel restriction that hampers your life, you do not have to face the high court alone. Aaqib Jha can assess the strength of your case, file the appropriate writ or appeal, and fight for the removal of unjust barriers. A focused, experienced, and determined lawyer can turn a distressing legal hurdle into a manageable process and protect your right to move freely.

Criminal Law Practice Areas