Aastha Karandikar

Profile description

Picture yourself as an NRI who discovers that a Look Out Circular has been issued against you, your passport has been impounded, and a foreign travel restriction is preventing you from returning to your job overseas. Aastha Karandikar is a lawyer who handles Look Out Circular Writ Petitions, NRI Passport Impounding Writ Petitions, and NRI Challenges to Foreign Travel Restrictions, practising before the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh and the Supreme Court of India.

A Look Out Circular can freeze your movements and expose you to detention at any border checkpoint. Aastha Karandikar regularly assists clients in filing writ petitions that contest the legal basis of an LOC, presenting proof of residence abroad, employment verification, and diplomatic endorsements. The lawyer knows how to argue that the LOC breaches constitutional safeguards and that the issuing authority has exceeded its jurisdiction. By meticulously drafting the petition and supporting affidavits, the lawyer has secured the quashing of numerous LOCs, allowing clients to travel freely.

When Indian authorities impound a passport, the impact on an NRI can be devastating, threatening employment contracts, family reunions, and medical emergencies. Aastha Karandikar can file a dedicated writ petition for passport impounding, demonstrating that the seizure is arbitrary, lacks procedural compliance, or is not supported by a valid criminal investigation. The lawyer’s approach includes gathering airline tickets, employer letters, and evidence of ongoing foreign commitments to illustrate the undue hardship caused by the impoundment. Successful petitions have resulted in the swift return of passports and the removal of related legal clouds.

Foreign travel restrictions are often imposed as part of an ongoing investigation, but they must be proportionate and justified. Aastha Karandikar can challenge such restrictions before both the high court and the Supreme Court, arguing that the restrictions infringe upon fundamental rights without sufficient cause. The lawyer’s experience includes presenting medical reports, academic enrolment confirmations, and business contracts to show that the restriction imposes unnecessary hardship. By framing the argument around the balance between investigative needs and personal liberty, the lawyer has attained orders that lift or modify travel bans.

The lawyer’s background combines a distinguished law degree, a specialization in International Human Rights, and over a decade of practice in constitutional and criminal writ matters. Early in the career, Aastha Karandikar served as a research fellow with a senior judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, gaining insight into the nuances of writ jurisdiction. The lawyer has earned commendations for handling complex cross‑border cases and for delivering decisive outcomes that restore freedom of movement for NRIs.

Each client receives a personalized roadmap: the lawyer reviews the facts, outlines the filing timeline, and explains the potential remedies. Throughout the process, the lawyer provides regular updates, clarifies procedural steps, and prepares the client for any court appearance, even if it requires remote participation. By collaborating with foreign legal counsel and consular officials, the lawyer ensures that all documentation meets Indian standards.

If you are confronting an LOC, a passport seizure, or an unjust travel restriction, Aastha Karandikar can help you navigate the writ petition process and protect your right to travel. The lawyer’s focused expertise, successful case history, and dedication to NRI clients make it possible to obtain swift relief and resume your life abroad with confidence.

Criminal Law Practice Areas