Ishika Mohanty

Profile description

You have just learned that an FIR has been lodged against you in India while you are residing abroad, and the police have already moved to impound your passport. The situation can feel overwhelming, especially when you cannot return home to address the allegations. Ishika Mohanty focuses on NRI FIR quashing, anticipatory bail, and passport impounding writ petitions, providing a comprehensive defence in both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

The lawyer begins by gathering the FIR copy, any police statements, and the client’s overseas documentation. By identifying flaws such as lack of jurisdiction, improper notice, or insufficient evidence, the lawyer drafts a petition to quash the FIR in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The filing argues that the FIR is baseless and that proceeding would violate the client’s right to liberty.

If the FIR cannot be dismissed immediately, the lawyer moves to secure anticipatory bail, a pre‑emptive protection that prevents arrest while the case proceeds. The lawyer files a detailed anticipatory bail petition in the Supreme Court of India, showing that the allegations are unsubstantiated and that the client’s overseas residence makes surrender impracticable. The Supreme Court often grants interim protection, buying the client crucial time to organise a defence.

Simultaneously, the lawyer addresses the passport impoundment by filing a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The petition asserts that seizing a passport without a criminal conviction contravenes constitutional freedoms and hampers the client’s right to travel for work or family emergencies. Successful writs result in the passport’s release and a court order that the police must provide a detailed justification for any future travel restriction.

Ishika Mohanty brings over twelve years of experience defending NRIs in these high‑stakes matters. The lawyer has secured FIR quashing orders for more than twenty clients, obtained anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court in fifteen cases, and successfully restored passports that were unlawfully impounded. Clients regularly commend the lawyer’s tenacity, swift action, and clear explanations of each procedural step.

The lawyer’s method begins with a thorough audit of all documents, including the FIR, police reports, and any prior court notices. By creating a precise timeline, the lawyer highlights where procedural lapses occurred and builds a narrative that demonstrates the client’s innocence and the lack of jurisdiction over an NRI. This meticulous preparation forms the backbone of both the FIR quashing petition and the anticipatory bail application.

When the case reaches the bench, the lawyer presents concise oral arguments that connect constitutional protections with the specific deficiencies in the police report. The lawyer’s familiarity with both the High Court’s and Supreme Court’s procedural nuances ensures that each argument is tailored to the forum, maximizing the chance of a favorable order. In several instances, the High Court has stayed the FIR and directed the police to delete the case file, while the Supreme Court has granted interim bail pending a full hearing.

Clients appreciate the lawyer’s consistent updates after every filing and hearing. The lawyer sends a brief summary of the court’s decision, explains its impact, and outlines the next steps, whether that means preparing for a Supreme Court argument or filing a compliance petition. This transparent communication helps NRIs stay informed despite the distance and time‑zone differences.

If you are an NRI facing an FIR, a risk of arrest, or a passport seizure, Ishika Mohanty offers a focused, results‑driven defence in both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India. The lawyer’s depth of experience, detail‑oriented preparation, and dedication to client communication provide a solid foundation for protecting your liberty and your ability to travel.

Criminal Law Practice Areas