Harikrishnan Hembram

Profile description

Imagine being abroad for a critical medical procedure only to learn that your Indian passport has been impounded, leaving you stranded and unable to return home. Harikrishnan Hembram steps in at that exact point, focusing on writ petitions that compel the release of impounded passports for NRIs in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and, when necessary, before the Supreme Court of India. The advocate’s practice centres on safeguarding the fundamental right to travel and ensuring that state agencies follow due process.

When a passport is seized, the first question is whether the order was issued with proper justification. Harikrishnan Hembram reviews the impounding notice, checks for a valid charge sheet, and assesses whether the client has any pending criminal case that legally warrants such action. In many situations, the notice is issued on vague grounds or after a mere request from an investigating officer, making it vulnerable to challenge. The lawyer prepares a detailed writ petition that outlines the client’s clean record, provides proof of residence abroad, and demonstrates that the impoundment creates disproportionate hardship, especially for health, education or employment reasons.

The petition is filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where the lawyer argues that the passport is a personal document protected under the Constitution and that any restriction must be proportionate and backed by concrete evidence. By citing relevant case law, Harikrishnan Hembram shows that the court has a duty to restore the passport when the seizure lacks legal basis. Successful petitions have resulted in immediate court orders directing the authorities to return the passport, allowing the client to resume travel without delay.

If the High Court rejects the petition or the matter escalates, the advocate is prepared to take the case to the Supreme Court of India. The lawyer drafts a special leave petition that frames the issue as a violation of the right to personal liberty and the liberty to move freely across borders. By highlighting the humanitarian impact and the procedural irregularities, Harikrishnan Hembram has secured Supreme Court rulings that overturn unlawful passport impoundments and set precedents that reinforce the protections for NRIs.

Educational background and experience reinforce this specialised focus. Harikrishnan Hembram holds an LL.M. from a distinguished law school and brings over thirteen years of practice in criminal and constitutional matters before the High Court. Early work with a prominent law firm involved defending NRIs in complex cross‑border investigations, sharpening the ability to anticipate the points that authorities rely on to justify passport seizures. Clients consistently commend the lawyer for clear explanations, rapid filing of writs, and a tenacious approach that never compromises on protecting personal freedom.

For any NRI confronting an unexpected passport impoundment, Harikrishnan Hembram offers a clear route to regain mobility. The advocate’s knowledge of both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India, combined with a proven record of successful writ petitions, provides confidence that the passport can be returned swiftly. Acting promptly and presenting a well‑structured petition can preserve the client’s right to travel, protect family and professional obligations, and restore peace of mind.

Criminal Law Practice Areas