Areeba Cherukuri

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Imagine you are an Indian professional living in the United Kingdom and the Indian authorities have impounded your passport on allegations of fraud, leaving you unable to travel back for a critical family event. The sudden loss of mobility can cause financial loss, emotional distress, and a feeling of helplessness far from home. Areeba Cherukuri is a diligent lawyer who regularly files NRI Passport Impounding Writ Petitions in the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh, providing a focused remedy for overseas Indians caught in such crisis.

The essential tool in Areeba Cherukuri’s practice is the writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, which empowers the Punjab and Haryana High Court to intervene when a fundamental right, such as the right to travel, is violated. The lawyer prepares petitions that challenge the legality of the passport seizure, highlight procedural lapses, and demand immediate release pending a full investigation. By presenting clear evidence of the client’s lawful status abroad and arguing that the impoundment was arbitrary or disproportionate, the lawyer can persuade the High Court to issue a stay order that restores the passport while the substantive matter is examined.

Cherukuri earned a LL.B. from Panjab University and later completed a Master’s in Constitutional Law at the University of London. With more than eleven years of experience dedicated to NRI matters, the lawyer first worked in the writ division of a leading Chandigarh firm before establishing an independent practice that specializes in passport and travel‑related litigation. The lawyer’s method combines meticulous document review, coordination with foreign consulates, and frequent video updates to keep clients informed despite the distance. Each petition is drafted with precise language to satisfy the High Court’s procedural requirements, minimizing the chance of dismissal on technical grounds.

The track record demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. In one recent case, an NRI engineer based in Canada faced passport impoundment after a complaint of alleged tax evasion. Cherukuri filed a writ petition showing that the investigating authority had not provided the statutory notice required under the Passport Act. The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued an immediate stay, returning the passport within three days and allowing the client to attend a critical project deadline in India. In another matter, a medical researcher working in the United States was prevented from traveling to a conference because of a pending fraud case. The lawyer’s petition highlighted the absence of a charge sheet and secured a court order that released the passport pending further inquiry, enabling the researcher to present important findings at the international forum.

Clients consistently praise Cherukuri for responsiveness and clear communication. One client from Australia wrote, ‘The lawyer explained the legal basis of the writ in simple terms, kept me updated every hour, and secured my passport faster than I imagined.’ Another client emphasized that the lawyer’s swift filing prevented a missed surgery appointment for a family member, underscoring the personal impact of timely legal intervention. These experiences reflect not only successful legal outcomes but also the lawyer’s commitment to reducing the anxiety that NRI clients often face when confronted with bureaucratic hurdles.

If you are an NRI whose passport has been impounded in India, Areeba Cherukuri can assess the situation, prepare a focused writ petition, and seek immediate relief from the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh. The lawyer’s blend of constitutional expertise, practical experience with NRI cases, and dedication to protecting the right to travel makes Cherukuri a reliable advocate for anyone needing swift resolution to passport‑related disputes.

Criminal Law Practice Areas