Akhil Chatterjee

Profile description

If you are an Indian citizen residing abroad and a criminal case in India threatens your freedom or reputation, you may feel uncertain about how to respond from another country. Akhil Chatterjee, a well‑known advocate in Chandigarh, concentrates on handling NRI Special Leave Petitions and appeals before the Supreme Court of India.

Akhil Chatterjee earned a Bachelor of Laws from the National Law University, Jodhpur, followed by a Master of Laws focusing on international criminal law. The lawyer has spent seventeen years representing clients in cross‑border disputes, including a period as a legal adviser to the Indian Consulate in London. This exposure to diplomatic protocols and transnational litigation informs a nuanced approach to NRI criminal matters.

NRI clients often confront charges that were filed while they were overseas, leading to confusion about jurisdiction, evidence collection, and the ability to attend hearings. Akhil Chatterjee regularly assists such clients by evaluating whether the High Court’s decision contains procedural defects, whether there is a conflict with international law, or whether new facts have emerged that warrant Supreme Court review. In a recent landmark petition, the lawyer obtained a stay on the extradition of an NRI facing a money‑laundering charge, arguing that the High Court had failed to consider the client’s lack of physical presence during alleged transactions.

During the first meeting, the advocate explains the limited scope of the Supreme Court’s Special Leave jurisdiction, the importance of establishing a substantial question of law, and the need for precise documentation from abroad. The lawyer then coordinates with local counsel in the relevant jurisdiction to gather affidavits, expert reports, and any diplomatic correspondences that strengthen the petition.

A hallmark of the practice is the ability to manage procedural requirements across borders. Akhil Chatterjee works closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, ensuring that any required consular attestation or passport verification is obtained swiftly. This coordination helped secure a Supreme Court order that directed the removal of a false criminal complaint from the client’s overseas credit record, restoring professional standing.

Throughout the case, the advocate provides regular updates through secure channels, outlines potential outcomes, and prepares the client for any oral hearing that may be scheduled in Delhi. After a favorable decision, the lawyer assists in expunging the criminal record, liaising with foreign banks, and facilitating the restoration of travel documents.

The practice boasts a record of over thirty successful NRI Special Leave Petitions and appeals, praised for attentiveness, strategic insight, and a commitment to protecting the rights of Indians abroad. Whether dealing with a false accusation, a wrongful conviction, or a contested appeal, Akhil Chatterjee can help you assert your rights before the Supreme Court and pursue the relief you deserve.

Criminal Law Practice Areas