Irfan Shetty

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You are an Indian citizen living abroad when you receive a proclamation naming you as a proclaimed offender, or you discover that your passport has been seized because of a pending case. The fear of being barred from returning home is real, but there are legal remedies available. Irfan Shetty specializes in assisting NRIs with quashing proclamations and challenging travel restrictions, handling matters in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Irfan Shetty earned a law degree from a top Indian university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in International Criminal Law. After a stint with a multinational legal firm, the lawyer returned to Chandigarh and built a practice focused on cross‑border criminal issues. With over thirteen years of courtroom experience, Irfan Shetty has represented dozens of NRIs whose freedom of movement was jeopardized by proclamation orders issued under Section 107 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

When a proclamation order is issued against an NRI, the first step is to establish that the procedural safeguards were not followed, such as proper service of notice in the overseas jurisdiction. Irfan Shetty can help you gather evidence of service attempts, prepare a detailed affidavit, and file an application for quash in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The lawyer’s familiarity with Supreme Court precedents concerning the rights of citizens abroad enables the filing of special leave petitions that argue for a direct stay on the proclamation until the High Court decides the matter.

Travel restrictions imposed on NRIs often stem from a provisional attachment of the passport or an order preventing the individual from leaving the country. Irfan Shetty regularly assists clients by filing writ petitions under Article 226 of the Constitution, challenging the legality of the restriction and highlighting the constitutional right to travel abroad. The lawyer can explain how the High Court’s supervisory jurisdiction can be invoked to order the immediate release of the passport, provided the client cooperates with the investigating agencies.

The lawyer’s approach is to combine thorough documentary analysis with strategic litigation. Irfan Shetty often collaborates with immigration experts to ensure that the client’s overseas status is accurately reflected, and the lawyer prepares comprehensive arguments that address both the statutory language and the underlying policy considerations. In several recent Supreme Court appeals, the lawyer succeeded in obtaining a stay on travel bans, allowing the client to attend to personal and professional commitments while the case proceeds.

Clients appreciate the lawyer’s clear guidance, prompt filing, and dedication to protecting their international mobility. Irfan Shetty can help you understand the exact paperwork needed, the timelines for each filing, and the questions the bench may raise. The promise is to work relentlessly to remove the proclamation and restore your ability to travel without hindrance. If you are an NRI facing a proclamation order or a travel restriction, seeking the assistance of an advocate well‑versed in both High Court and Supreme Court practice can dramatically improve the chances of a swift and favorable resolution.

Criminal Law Practice Areas