Ishita Shekhawat

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When a police raid on your premises results in a charge under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the first thought is often how to secure immediate release. Ishita Shekhawat steps in as a focused advocate who specializes in bail applications for NDND‑related cases as well as for offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. A graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, with a postgraduate diploma in Criminal Law, Ishita has spent more than eight years representing clients before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and, when necessary, before the Supreme Court of India.

NDPS bail requires the court to balance public interest against the accused’s right to liberty. Ishita regularly assists individuals and small business owners whose possession or trafficking allegations could lead to prolonged detention. She prepares petitions that underscore the accused’s clean criminal record, stable family ties, and willingness to cooperate with investigative agencies. By highlighting the lack of flight risk and the possibility of surrendering passports, she convinces the High Court that pre‑trial detention is unwarranted.

In parallel, PMLA bail involves complex financial scrutiny. Ishita can explain how she reviews bank statements, transaction histories, and asset disclosures to demonstrate that the accused has not concealed proceeds of crime. She argues that the Enforcement Directorate’s attachment orders do not automatically translate into a denial of bail, and she cites recent Supreme Court pronouncements that favour bail where the prosecution cannot prove a clear link between the accused and the alleged money‑laundering activity.

The synergy between NDPS and PMLA often emerges when drug proceeds are alleged to be laundered. Ishita’s method starts with a forensic audit of both the narcotics evidence and the cash flow records. She works with forensic accountants and drug‑analysis experts to separate legitimate earnings from illicit gains. The resulting bail petition presents a cohesive narrative that challenges the prosecution’s assumption of guilt across two statutes, increasing the chance of relief.

Clients repeatedly commend Ishita for her prompt response to notices and her ability to distill complex arguments into clear points. Judges note her clear articulation of facts, respectful tone, and thorough preparation of documents such as character certificates, employment letters, and property records. Over the past eight years, she has secured bail for individuals accused of possession of small narcotics quantities, for shop owners entangled in alleged money‑laundering of drug proceeds, and for senior executives facing dual NDPS and PMLA investigations.

After a bail order is granted, Ishita continues to guide clients on compliance with conditions such as regular reporting to the police, surrender of travel documents, and posting of surety. She prepares them for subsequent hearings, helps draft status reports, and, if the prosecution files an appeal, represents them before the Supreme Court of India to defend the bail order.

Continuous learning underpins Ishita’s practice. She attends workshops organized by the National Academy of Green Cardiology on drug‑related jurisprudence, participates in seminars by the Ministry of Finance on anti‑money‑laundering regulations, and contributes articles to legal periodicals on the intersection of narcotics and financial crimes. Her active membership in the Chandigarh Women Lawyers Forum reflects her commitment to representing clients from diverse backgrounds without bias.

If you are confronted with an NDPS accusation, a PMLA charge, or both, a well‑crafted bail strategy can preserve your liberty while the investigation proceeds. Ishita Shekhawat brings legal expertise, meticulous fact‑finding, and courtroom poise to build bail applications that address the specific concerns of each statute. A confidential consultation can clarify the strengths of your case, identify the documentation you will need, and set a clear timetable for obtaining bail relief.

Criminal Law Practice Areas