Pratap Arunachalam

Profile description

You are an Indian citizen living abroad who has learned that a look‑out circular has been issued against you, restricting travel and threatening arrest on your return. The situation is urgent, and you need a lawyer who can act quickly to challenge the order. Pratap Arunachalam is the advocate who specialises in Look Out Circular writ petitions, quashing proclamation orders, and anticipatory bail for NRI clients before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Pratap Arunachalam has over fourteen years of experience handling cross‑border criminal matters. The lawyer earned a law degree from a prestigious university and completed a postgraduate course in international criminal law. After a clerkship with a senior judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the lawyer joined a leading NRI‑focused practice, building a reputation for securing relief for clients caught in extrajudicial travel bans.

When a Look Out Circular (LOC) is issued, the law enforcement agencies can intercept the individual at any international airport. Pratap Arunachalam can file a writ petition that questions the legal basis of the LOC, demonstrates the client’s ties to the home country, and argues that the circular violates fundamental rights. The lawyer regularly assists clients in obtaining interim relief that allows them to travel for work, medical treatment, or family emergencies while the substantive challenge proceeds.

In addition to LOC petitions, the lawyer handles applications to quash proclamation and proclaimed offender orders that often accompany serious criminal investigations. By presenting documentary evidence of the client’s residence abroad, lack of criminal intent, and cooperation with authorities, Pratap Arunachalam has successfully overturned several such orders. The lawyer’s approach includes filing a detailed affidavit, attaching passport copies, and, when required, appealing to the Supreme Court of India for a definitive ruling.

Anticipatory bail is another critical tool for NRIs who fear arrest upon return. Pratap Arunachalam can prepare a comprehensive anticipatory bail application that outlines the client’s willingness to comply with investigative procedures, offers surety conditions, and cites precedents from both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India. The lawyer’s skillful oral arguments often result in bail being granted before any physical custody occurs, preserving the client’s freedom and professional commitments.

Clients value the lawyer’s clear communication style. Pratap Arunachalam begins each case with a virtual consultation to collect all relevant documents, including travel itineraries, banking records, and prior legal notices. The lawyer then drafts a strategic brief that maps out the procedural steps, expected timelines, and potential outcomes. Throughout the process, the lawyer provides timely updates via secure channels and coordinates with foreign counsel to ensure that cross‑border issues are addressed.

If you are an NRI facing a Look Out Circular, a proclamation order, or the prospect of anticipatory arrest, you need a specialist who understands both Indian criminal law and the complexities of international jurisdiction. Pratap Arunachalam combines deep legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and a proven success record to protect your liberty and allow you to continue your life abroad.

Criminal Law Practice Areas