Are you facing legal challenges in a city where crime rates are steadily rising? Delhi, often referred to as the crime capital of India, witnesses a wide range of offenses daily, from theft and fraud to violent crimes. In 2024, the city reported 1,74,253 crimes under the Indian Penal Code and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 308 murders, 1,034 robberies, and 4,316 snatchings.
Navigating such cases requires the expertise of seasoned criminal lawyers who understand the intricacies of the law and the judicial system. With over 165,000 registered advocates in Delhi, many specialize in criminal law, offering their services to defend rights, provide legal guidance, and ensure fair trials for their clients, helping them overcome complex legal battles with confidence and clarity.
In this blog, we will take a look at the Best Criminal Lawyers in Delhi.
List of 12 Best Criminal Lawyers in Delhi
1. Shri K.T.S. Tulsi
KTS Tulsi, a famous senior Advocate and a former Additional Solicitor General of India-is an expert in criminal law. He has argued for clients in many big cases like the Sikh Riots, Jessica Lal Murder, and Tandoor Murder cases. Tulsi has been a part of PILs for police- reform and corporate spying cases and has his say in the political sphere in India.
Famous Cases
- Sikh Riots Case (1984): Representing victims for justice in one of India’s biggest riots.
- Tandoor Murder Case (1995): Plays a central role in ensuring that there was a conviction in this highly sensational murder case.
- Jessica Lal Murder Case (1999): Aided the prosecution to ensure the victims got a fair trial in a very sensitive trial.
- PIL for Police Reforms (2010): Discussed various modulations that need to be made to the structure of the policing system of India.
- Corporate Espionage Case (2012): Served as representatives for the victims in alleged cases of corporate fraud and espionage.
Contributions
- Criminal Law Expertise: Advanced the field of criminal justice through precedent-setting cases.
- Legal Reform Advocate: Championed human rights and prison reforms in India.
- Authorship: Authored works on criminal law, influencing academic and legal practices.
2. Siddharth Luthra
Siddharth Luthra is a first-class senior advocate possessing significant experience in criminal and cyber law cases. Luthra has had experience as the Additional Solicitor General of India and he has done representation of clients in cases like the Aarushi Talwar Murder trials and the Nirbhaya gang rape trials.
He is also accredited for successes in corporate fraud cases and reforms in cybercrime laws – pointing at his impact in both law and policy.
Famous Cases
- Aarushi Talwar Case (2008): Represented the accused, highlighting systemic investigation flaws.
- Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case (2012): Advocated for justice in India’s most notorious criminal trial.
- 2G Spectrum Case (2010): Handled cases of corporate corruption involving major telecom companies.
- Commonwealth Games Scam (2010): Represented parties in financial fraud cases linked to the CWG.
- Maruti Suzuki Factory Violence Case (2012): Defended accused workers in a sensational industrial trial.
Contributions
- White-Collar Crime Expert: Led investigations into corporate and financial frauds.
- Policy Influencer: Advocated for data protection and cybercrime laws in India.
- Academic Speaker: Regular contributor to legal seminars and academic institutions.
3. Pinky Anand
Pinky Anand is a senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India who has practiced Criminal law and Public Interest Litigation. She has been a former Additional Solicitor General of India and has worked in Triple Talaq and Ayodhya Dispute cases.
Anand carries forward the causes of women, constitutional amendment, and upliftment of the society through contribution to the legal frame of India.
Famous Cases
- Triple Talaq Case (2017): Represented women’s groups for the practice of abolishing instant divorce.
- Sexual Harassment at Workplace (2013): Of the many cases dealt with in this respect, this landmark case can be credited for workplace laws being reformed.
- Ayodhya Dispute (2010-2019): Played an important role in sensitive religious cases that were deemed to be very delicate.
- Election Disputes (2014-2019): Represented political leaders in election cases that involved the leadership of the countries.
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy Compensation (1984-1989): Advocated for the victims’ rights in the aftermath of the disaster.
Contributions
- Women’s Rights Activist: Advanced gender equality through legal precedents.
- Policy Reforms: Contributed to reforms in the workplace and constitutional law.
- Public Service: Instrumental in PILs for societal welfare.
4. Salman Khurshid
Salman Khurshid, a veteran advocate, and former Law Minister in the Government of India, specialises in constitutional and criminal laws. As one of the leading Criminal Lawyers in Delhi, he has been sought in major cases such as the Babri Masjid dispute or the 2G Spectrum Scam.
Khurshid has always supported judiciary reform and civil liberties, often using his legal input to guide legislation and election policy reforms. He participates in legal communication through his writings and public debates.
Famous Cases
- Babri Masjid Case (1992-2019): Represented key stakeholders in one of India’s most contentious disputes.
- 2G Spectrum Case (2010): Provided counsel in the high-stakes telecom scam.
- Hawala Scandal Case (1990s): Represented accused politicians, addressing complex financial trials.
- Election Malpractice Cases (1990s-2010s): Defended several political leaders in electoral disputes.
- Defamation Trials (2000-2010): Successfully argued high-profile defamation suits involving public figures.
Contributions
- Law Minister: Played a key role in shaping judicial and electoral reforms.
- Author and Thinker: Authored books on constitutional law and social justice.
- Activist for Rights: Advocated for minority and underprivileged community rights.
5. Kapil Sibal
Kapil Sibal is a senior advocate, former Union Minister for Law and Justice; is an expert in criminal laws. He has represented significant matters involving the constitutionality of the Aadhaar project, and the Ayodhya land dispute.
Sibal also advocates privacy rights, constitutional liberties, and legal reforms. These cases have often influenced legal practice and Indian politics significantly, apart from his scholarly works.
Famous Cases
- Aadhaar Case (2018): Argued about the violation of the constitution with Aadhaar linking regarding privacy.
- Babri Masjid Case (1992-2019): Representative of the key clients, involved in the controversy.
- 2G Spectrum Case (2010): Defended major telecom companies in corruption allegations.
- Hulchul Tax Case (2005): Handled significant tax evasion and fraud cases.
- Sahara-SEBI Case (2012): Represented Sahara in complex financial fraud investigations.
Contributions
- Legal Reformer: Championed privacy rights and constitutional liberties.
- Political and Legal Influence: Advocated for electoral reforms and transparency.
- Writer and Speaker: Frequent contributor to debates on constitutional law.
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6. Gopal Subramanium
Gopal Subramanium is a senior advocate and former Solicitor General of India. He is considered to be one of the most proficient in criminal cases in India. Subramanium has worked in various important cases like Jessica Lal’s murder case & 2G Spectrum Scam.
He worked in several fields which include judicial reforms, social justice advocacy, and legal education. Subramanium’s career is outstanding and he has become a popular figure in the legal and public domain.
Famous Cases
- Jessica Lal Murder Case (1999): Helped in getting a conviction, thus justice was served.
- Godhra Riots Case (2002): Stood for victims in this special communal violence case.
- 2G Spectrum Case (2010): Personally prosecuted people involved in one of India’s largest corruption scams.
- Satyam Scandal (2009): Represented key parties in corporate fraud cases.
- Delhi Gang Rape Case (Nirbhaya, 2012): Played an important role in securing justice.
Contributions
- Judicial Ethics Advocate: Championed judicial accountability and reforms.
- Legal Writing: Authored scholarly articles on jurisprudence.
- Social Justice Activist: Worked on pro-bono cases for marginalized communities.
7. Rebecca Mammen John
The first female criminal senior counsel of the Delhi High Court, Rebecca Mammen John, is a well-established civil liberties activist and one of the leading Criminal Lawyers in Delhi. Ishrat Jahan’s Encounter case and the 2G Spectrum case are examples of complicated criminal trials that she successfully prosecuted.
John is also recognized for teaching young lawyers and her commitment to defending marginalized communities and legal reforms.
Famous Cases
- Ishrat Jahan Encounter Case (2004): Defended victims of extrajudicial killings.
- 2G Spectrum Case (2010): Represented accused in corruption trials.
- Terrorism Trials (2000s): Defended individuals accused under stringent terror laws.
- Commonwealth Games Scam (2010): Advocated for clients in financial corruption trials.
- Coal Scam (2012): Handled high-profile corruption cases.
Contributions
- Trailblazer for Women: First woman designated as senior counsel in criminal law by the Delhi High Court.
- Legal Educator: Mentored young lawyers in criminal litigation.
- Human Rights Activist: Advocated against abuse of police and judicial power.
8. Maninder Singh
Maninder Singh, a senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General of India, is an expert in criminal law and constitutional matters. Singh has represented clients in key cases like the Coal Block Allocation Scam and the 2G Spectrum case.
His work in financial crimes, corporate espionage, and election disputes has made him a leading figure in criminal litigation. Singh is also dedicated to legal reforms and mentoring upcoming lawyers in the field.
Famous Cases
- Coal Block Allocation Scam (2012): Defended key stakeholders in corruption allegations.
- 2G Spectrum Case (2010): Represented telecom companies in India’s largest financial fraud case.
- Foreign Exchange Violation Cases (2000s): Advocated for clients accused under FEMA regulations.
- Corporate Espionage Cases (2000s): Defended high-ranking officials in industrial espionage trials.
- Election Law Disputes (2000s-2010s): Represented political leaders in critical election-related cases.
Contributions
- Judicial Reform Advocate: Worked on improving legal and constitutional processes.
- Expert in Financial Crimes: Known for resolving white-collar crime cases effectively.
- Legal Mentor: Trains upcoming lawyers in criminal law and constitutional rights.
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9. Dushyant Dave
Dushyant Dave, a senior advocate, is known for his fearless advocacy and expertise in constitutional and criminal law. He has represented clients in high-profile cases, including the 2002 Gujarat riots and the Coal Scam trials.
Dave is a vocal advocate for human rights, judicial reforms, and public interest litigations. His contributions extend beyond the courtroom through his role as a speaker and educator in legal seminars and public debates.
Famous Cases
- 2002 Gujarat Riots Case (2002-2004): Represented victims, seeking justice for communal violence.
- Coal Scam Trials (2012-2016): Advocated in corporate corruption cases involving government officials.
- Medical Council of India Scandal (2010-2013): Handled fraud cases exposing regulatory loopholes.
- Defamation Cases (2000s-2010s): Represented high-profile clients in criminal defamation trials.
- Election Malpractice Cases (2000s-2010s): Defended political leaders in crucial legal battles.
Contributions
- Pioneering Public Interest Litigations: Advocates for constitutional rights through impactful PILs.
- Human Rights Activist: Regularly represents marginalized communities in criminal trials.
- Legal Educator: Frequently engages in public lectures and academic discussions on criminal law.
10. Vikas Pahwa
Vikas Pahwa, a senior advocate and one of the top Criminal Lawyers in Delhi, specializes in white-collar crime and constitutional law. With a robust portfolio of high-profile cases, including the Aarushi Talwar murder trial and the 2G Spectrum Scam, Pahwa has earned a reputation for tackling complex legal matters.
He is also known for his contributions to judicial reforms, policy advocacy, and promoting legal awareness, making significant strides in both the legal profession and the public domain.
Famous Cases
- Aarushi Talwar Murder Case (2008): Represented the Talwar family in the high-profile trial.
- 2G Spectrum Scam (2010): Defend the accused in one of India’s biggest corruption scandals.
- Delhi Gang Rape Case (2012): Represented one of the parties to ensure a fair trial.
- Coal Block Allocation Scam (2012): Advocated for corporate clients in corruption trials.
- Corporate Bribery Cases (2010s): Defended executives in high-stakes corruption investigations.
Contributions
- White-Collar Crime Specialist: Renowned for tackling complex financial fraud cases.
- Policy Reformer: Worked on judicial reforms to enhance transparency in trials.
- Legal Awareness Advocate: Promotes public understanding of constitutional rights.
11. Dayan Krishnan
Dayan Krishnan, a senior advocate, is known for his expertise in high-profile criminal cases and constitutional law. Krishnan has represented clients in cases like the Nirbhaya Gang Rape and Coal Scam trials, often handling sensitive and politically charged matters.
He is a staunch advocate for judicial transparency and ethics, contributing to the ongoing discussions on legal fairness and accountability, while also providing pro bono services to marginalized communities.
Famous Cases
- Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case (2012): Represented one of the accused, ensuring procedural justice.
- Unnao Rape Case (2017-2020): Worked on sensitive cases involving abuse of power.
- Coal Scam Trials (2012-2016): Handled corporate criminal liability cases.
- NDPS Act Violations (2000s-2010s): Defended clients in drug-related cases.
- Cybercrime Defense (2000s-2010s): Advocated for accused in internet fraud and hacking trials.
Contributions
- Pro Bono Representation: Committed to defending marginalized communities.
- Criminal Law Expertise: Specialised in constitutional challenges in criminal cases.
- Judicial Ethics Advocate: Contributed to discussions on fairness and transparency in legal proceedings.
12. Geeta Luthra
Geeta Luthra, a senior advocate with extensive experience in criminal and constitutional law, is known for her advocacy in family law, women’s rights, and corporate fraud cases. Luthra has represented clients in landmark cases, such as Triple Talaq and Domestic Violence.
She is a passionate advocate for gender equality, legal reforms, and humanitarian causes. Luthra is also committed to educating future lawyers and advancing legal awareness in society.
Famous Cases
- Triple Talaq Case (2017): Represented clients in abolishing discriminatory divorce practices.
- Domestic Violence and Dowry Cases (2000s-2010s): Advocated for justice in gender-based violence cases.
- Surrogacy Regulation Cases (2010s): Addressed legal issues surrounding surrogacy rights.
- Custody and Family Law Cases (2000s-2010s): Tackled complex criminal aspects of family disputes.
- Corporate Fraud Trials (2000s-2010s): Defended clients accused of financial crimes.
Contributions
- Gender Rights Advocate: Pioneered legal battles for women’s empowerment.
- Legal Educator: Regularly contributes to discussions on criminal law reforms.
- Humanitarian Efforts: Works on cases supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Criminal Lawyer’s Contributions to Indian Law
- Protection of Rights: Criminal lawyers ensure the protection of fundamental rights of the accused, ensuring fair trials and preventing unjust detention.
- Judicial Precedents: Through landmark cases, criminal lawyers contribute to shaping judicial precedents, influencing the evolution of criminal law in India.
- Criminal Justice Reform: Many criminal lawyers have actively advocated for reforms in the criminal justice system, including changes in police procedures, judicial accountability, and prison reforms.
- Public Interest Litigations (PILs): Criminal lawyers often take up PILs to address systemic issues like wrongful arrests, custodial deaths, and abuse of power by law enforcement agencies.
- Advocacy for Women’s Rights: Many criminal lawyers have been at the forefront of cases involving gender violence, domestic abuse, and sexual harassment, pushing for stronger protections for women.
- Enhancing Legal Awareness: Criminal lawyers educate the public on their legal rights, advocating for a more informed citizenry and better access to justice.
- Guiding Policy Changes: Criminal lawyers actively contribute to discussions and advocacy for new policies and laws, especially in areas like cybercrime and white-collar crimes.
Ending Thoughts
In conclusion, Criminal Lawyers in Delhi play a vital role in ensuring justice within the Indian legal system. They safeguard the rights of individuals, whether victims or accused, and contribute significantly to the development of criminal law through landmark cases and legal reforms.
Their efforts in advocating for justice, addressing societal issues like gender violence, and pushing for criminal justice reforms highlight their commitment to the legal profession.
Criminal lawyers also actively participate in raising awareness about legal rights and ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
By representing clients, challenging injustices, and pushing for legal innovations, criminal lawyers remain indispensable in shaping a fair and just legal system in India. Their influence extends beyond the courtroom, driving positive changes in society and law.
FAQs
How can I find the best criminal lawyer in Delhi?
Research online reviews, consult legal directories, or seek recommendations from trusted sources.
Do Delhi’s criminal lawyers handle all types of cases?
Yes, they handle a wide range of cases, including fraud, theft, assault, and white-collar crimes.
What are the average fees for criminal lawyers in Delhi?
Fees vary based on the lawyer’s experience, case complexity, and duration.
Can I get free legal advice in Delhi?
Yes, some lawyers offer free initial consultations, and legal aid services are also available.
