Divyanshi Patnaik

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If you are an Indian citizen living abroad and have been summoned or detained in connection with a criminal investigation, navigating the Indian legal system from another country can be daunting. Divyanshi Patnaik specialises in handling NRI Special Leave Petitions and appeals before the Supreme Court of India, providing a lifeline for clients who need swift, high‑level intervention while they manage personal and professional commitments overseas.

Divyanshi has devoted more than seven years to representing non‑resident Indians in complex bail and appeal matters that reach the apex court. After securing a law degree with honours from the National Law University, the lawyer completed a master's in international law and later worked with a multinational law firm that advised diaspora clients on cross‑border litigation. This blend of academic expertise and practical experience equips the lawyer to address the procedural challenges faced by NRIs, such as jurisdictional nuances, passport restrictions and the need for timely communication across time zones.

When an NRI client contacts the office, Divyanshi first gathers the foreign residence proof, the notice or order issued by the Indian court, and any documentation relating to the alleged offence. The lawyer then drafts a Special Leave Petition that emphasises the client’s overseas residence, the hardship of immediate travel, and the availability of surety or other safeguards that can assure the court of the client’s compliance. Supporting annexures often include a notarised affidavit from a local Indian advocate, a copy of the passport, and, when relevant, a letter from the employer confirming the client’s essential role abroad. The lawyer also prepares a concise appeal, if the High Court has already denied relief, highlighting any misinterpretation of law or procedural lapse that warrants Supreme Court review.

The lawyer’s track record features several instances where the Supreme Court granted interim bail to NRIs, allowing them to remain outside India while the investigation continues. In a recent money‑laundering probe, the Court issued a stay on the arrest warrant after Divyanshi demonstrated that the client’s detention would disrupt a multimillion‑dollar family business operating in the United Arab Emirates and that the client had pledged a substantial bank guarantee. Another case involved an NRI accused of cyber‑crime; the Supreme Court lifted the custody order, recognising that the alleged acts could be investigated remotely and that the client’s confinement would impede cooperation with foreign law‑enforcement agencies. These outcomes showcase the lawyer’s ability to balance the court’s concerns with the client’s legitimate overseas interests.

Clients are advised to keep all relevant communications, the original court notice, passport copies, and any power of attorney documents ready for upload to a secure portal. Divyanshi can clarify how a Special Leave Petition differs from a regular appeal, why the Supreme Court entertains only exceptional matters, and what types of conditions—such as regular reporting to a local police station, electronic monitoring or a monetary bond—the Court may impose on an NRI. By explaining these aspects early, the lawyer reduces uncertainty and helps the client cooperate fully with interim directions, ensuring that the petition proceeds without unnecessary delays.

Choosing a lawyer with deep experience in Supreme Court petitions for non‑resident Indians can turn a frightening cross‑border legal challenge into a manageable process. Divyanshi Patnaik regularly assists NRIs who need immediate bail or appellate relief, offering strategic counsel, precise documentation and persistent advocacy before the nation’s top bench. The lawyer’s dedication to safeguarding both personal liberty and the client’s international obligations, together with a history of successful bail stays and appeals, gives confidence that the client’s case will be presented with the skill and urgency required for a positive outcome.

Criminal Law Practice Areas