Sanket Desai

Profile description

If an NRI finds an FIR registered against them in India while living abroad, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. Sanket Desai understands how such a filing can freeze bank accounts, jeopardize travel plans, and damage reputation. With a focus on NRI clients, the lawyer offers pragmatic strategies to remove the FIR and protect rights.

Sanket Desai regularly assists NRI clients in filing petitions to quash FIRs before they turn into criminal prosecutions. The lawyer leverages the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code and relevant precedents before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking dismissal on grounds of insufficiency of evidence, lack of jurisdiction, or procedural irregularities. By presenting clear factual narratives and supporting documents, the lawyer has secured numerous FIR withdrawals, sparing families from unnecessary legal battles and financial strain.

When a Look Out Circular (LOC) is issued, it can block an NRI’s exit from India until a case resolves. Sanket Desai can help by filing writ petitions that challenge the legality and necessity of the LOC. The lawyer examines the underlying FIR, the nature of the alleged offence, and the statutory basis for the circular. By arguing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the LOC is disproportionate or issued without proper notice, the lawyer has obtained orders lifting LOCs in a range of cases, allowing clients to resume travel and business commitments.

Foreign travel restrictions imposed after an FIR or LOC often trap NRIs in prolonged uncertainty. Sanket Desai explains the options available under Indian law and, where appropriate, escalates matters to the Supreme Court of India. By preparing special leave petitions that highlight violations of fundamental rights and international travel norms, the lawyer has achieved judgments that affirm the right to leave the country while investigations continue. Clients appreciate the lawyer’s ability to coordinate with foreign embassies, obtain necessary clearances, and ensure that passport holdings are not unjustly impounded.

Beyond courtroom advocacy, Sanket Desai maintains close communication with families abroad, translating legal developments into clear, actionable steps. The lawyer’s approach combines thorough case assessment, strategic filing, and diligent follow‑up, aiming for swift resolution and minimal disruption to personal and professional life. Whether the goal is to delete an FIR, remove a Look Out Circular, or protect the right to travel, Sanket Desai brings focused expertise to navigate the procedural landscape of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and, when required, the Supreme Court of India.

Clients repeatedly commend the lawyer for meticulous preparation and tenacious representation. Over the past decade, Sanket Desai has handled more than two hundred NRI matters, achieving a success rate that exceeds industry averages. The lawyer’s familiarity with procedural nuances of both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court enables swift filing of affidavits, timely arguments, and effective use of precedent. In several high‑profile instances, the lawyer secured full exoneration of NRI clients within weeks, preventing the issuance of travel bans and restoring cleared passports. The lawyer also provides post‑judgment assistance, ensuring that court orders are implemented without delay and that any remaining statutory obligations are satisfied. This comprehensive service model gives families peace of mind during a stressful period.

Criminal Law Practice Areas