Vaishali Sivakumar

Profile description

You are an Indian citizen living abroad who has been charged with a criminal offence in India, and you now face restrictions on foreign travel that could derail your career and family life. Vaishali Sivakumar specializes in NRI criminal matters and can help you navigate the legal maze that spans the Punjab and Haryana High Court and, when required, the Supreme Court of India.

With more than twelve years of experience representing non‑resident Indians, Vaishali Sivakumar understands the unique challenges NRI clients encounter. She earned her law degree from a leading institution and completed a postgraduate programme focused on international criminal law. Early in her career, she worked with a multinational law firm handling cross‑border disputes, which gave her insight into the procedural differences between Indian courts and foreign jurisdictions.

In NRI criminal appeals, Vaishali Sivakumar regularly assists clients by reviewing the trial record for procedural errors, misapplication of law, or violations of the right to a fair trial. She drafts comprehensive appeal briefs that argue why the lower court’s decision should be set aside, often emphasizing the need to consider evidence that was unavailable to the accused while abroad. Her familiarity with the appellate rules of the Punjab and Haryana High Court ensures that each appeal is filed within the prescribed timeline and meets all formatting requirements.

When a foreign travel restriction is imposed, Vaishali Sivakumar can help you challenge the order. She files applications for bail and for the lifting of travel bans, presenting arguments that the restriction is disproportionate, that the client is not a flight risk, and that the client’s professional obligations abroad require freedom of movement. She has successfully argued before both the high court and the Supreme Court of India that travel bans should be replaced with less restrictive measures, such as regular reporting or surrender of passport copies.

Her strategy includes coordinating with consulates and foreign legal counsel to gather supporting documents, such as employment contracts, proof of property ownership, and statements of community ties. By presenting a holistic picture of the client’s life abroad, Vaishali Sivakumar demonstrates to the court that the accused will comply with any conditions imposed while maintaining the ability to fulfill international obligations.

Clients praise her clear communication. Vaishali Sivakumar explains complex legal concepts in plain language, provides regular updates on the status of filings, and outlines potential scenarios at each stage of the appeal or travel‑restriction challenge. She also advises on practical steps, such as securing necessary travel documents and ensuring compliance with court orders.

Her record includes more than twenty successful appeals that resulted in the overturning of convictions for NRI clients, as well as numerous instances where travel bans were lifted or modified. In several cases, she secured orders from the Supreme Court of India that allowed clients to travel for work or medical reasons while the criminal matter remained pending.

Choosing Vaishali Sivakumar means hiring a lawyer who combines deep knowledge of Indian criminal procedure with a sensitivity to the cross‑border realities of NRI clients. She is committed to protecting your freedom to travel, safeguarding your professional reputation, and ensuring that your case receives a fair hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with the option to approach the Supreme Court of India when necessary.

Criminal Law Practice Areas