Pranil Agrawal

Profile description

An NRI facing a First Information Report (FIR) filed in India can feel trapped by distance, time zones, and unfamiliar courts. The instant you learn that an FIR has been lodged against you, you need a lawyer who can act across borders and dismantle the case before it escalates. Pranil Agrawal provides that bridge, offering expertise in NRI FIR quashing, Look Out Circular (LOC) writ petitions, and Special Leave Petitions before the Supreme Court of India. With over a decade of practice before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a proven track record in appellate matters, Pranil Agrawal is uniquely positioned to protect the interests of overseas clients.

The first line of defence against an NRI FIR is to demonstrate that the procedural requirements for issuing an FIR were not met. Pranil Agrawal regularly assists NRI clients by filing petitions that highlight lack of jurisdiction, improper service, and violations of statutory safeguards. In a recent case, the lawyer secured the dismissal of an FIR filed against a software engineer residing abroad, showing that the investigating officer had never obtained the required consent from the foreign embassy. The lawyer’s ability to coordinate with overseas legal counsel and present authentic documents in the High Court proved decisive.

When a Look Out Circular is issued, it restricts travel and may result in passport seizure. Pranil Agrawal can file writ petitions challenging the legality of the LOC, arguing that the circular was issued without sufficient evidence of flight risk. By presenting detailed travel histories, employment contracts, and character certificates, the lawyer has successfully obtained revocation of LOCs that threatened to immobilise clients’ international movements. One notable victory involved the removal of an LOC against a merchant trader, allowing the client to attend a crucial overseas conference.

If the High Court route does not yield a satisfactory outcome, Pranil Agrawal is prepared to elevate the matter through a Special Leave Petition to the Supreme Court of India. The lawyer’s experience in drafting pleadings that focus on constitutional rights—such as the right to liberty and protection against arbitrary detention—provides a robust platform for appeal. In an appellate case, the Supreme Court stayed the prosecution of an NRI accused of tax evasion after the lawyer demonstrated that the FIR had been based on a misinterpretation of foreign currency regulations.

Clients working with Pranil Agrawal receive clear guidance on the steps needed to protect their rights from abroad. The lawyer explains how to gather supporting evidence, how to coordinate with local agents, and what timelines to expect for each filing. Throughout the process, Pranil Agrawal maintains regular communication via secure channels, ensuring that NRI clients stay informed despite geographic separation.

Whether you are an overseas professional, a businessperson, or a student facing an FIR, a Look Out Circular, or a pending appeal, Pranil Agrawal can help you navigate the complexities of Indian criminal law, secure quashment where justified, and protect your freedom to travel and work abroad.

Criminal Law Practice Areas