Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India

Criminal law is complex. The one who makes way through it, is applauded by society to provide clients with the strongest defense. Whether it’s high-profile cases, white-collar crimes, or constitutional matters, India is home to some of the most skilled legal minds who have shaped the course of justice through their expertise, persuasive arguments, and landmark cases. 

In this blog, we highlight the Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India who have built their reputation through exceptional courtroom skills, landmark cases, intelligent arguments both in court and outside the courtroom. 

Top 10 Criminal lawyers in India

1. Harish Salve

Harish Salve is one of India’s top lawyers. He is known for his expertise in criminal, constitutional and commercial law. He served as the Solicitor General of India from 1 November 1999 to 3 November 2002 and represented India in many international legal matters.

He initially trained as a Chartered Accountant before pursuing a career in law. He trained under his father, N.K.P. Salve and former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee. 

Currently, he is practicing as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India. He is also a barrister at Blackstone Chambers, London.  

Renowned Cases

• Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: He successfully represented India at the ICJ against Pakistan. 
• Vodafone Tax Case: Won a landmark verdict against a $2.5 billion tax demand. 
• Decriminalization of Homosexuality: He advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in India.

2. Sidharth Luthra

Sidharth Luthra is a well-respected criminal lawyer known for his expertise in white-collar crime, corporate fraud, and other criminal matters.  

He represented the Government of India in key legal matters as an Additional Solicitor General. He regularly lectures at law schools and legal forums. He actively contributes to the development of future legal professionals.  

Renowned Cases 

• Nirbhaya Case: He represented Delhi Police in the Supreme Court in this landmark case which reshaped India’s laws on sexual offenses. 
• 2G Spectrum Scam: He represented clients in high-stakes telecom scam cases involving complex financial and corporate law issues.  
• Aarushi Talwar Murder Case: He was a part of the defense team in one of the most controversial criminal trials of India.

3. Kapil Sibal

Kapil Sibal is a distinguished Indian lawyer and politician. He is known for his major contributions to both the legal field and Indian politics. He has had a prominent career as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India and has held various ministerial positions.

He has held multiple ministerial positions, including Minister of Human Resource Development, Minister of Communications and IT, and Minister of Law and Justice.

Renowned Cases

• Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid Case: Kapil Sibal represented the Sunni Waqf Board, advocating for maintaining the status quo and a peaceful resolution. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of constructing the Ram temple while allotting alternative land for the mosque.
• Triple Talaq: Kapil Sibal represented the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in this case. He defended the practice of triple talaq as a matter of religious freedom. However, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional, leading to significant changes in Muslim personal law.

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4. Gopal Subramanium

Gopal Subramanium is a highly esteemed Indian lawyer and international arbitrator. He is known for his significant contributions to constitutional law, commercial litigation, and arbitration. He has had a distinguished career spanning over four decades, marked by his involvement in numerous landmark cases and contribution to legal reforms in India.

He has trained under Soli Sorabjee, former Attorney General of India, shaping his legal philosophy and advocacy skills. He led the committee that proposed amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, significantly influencing anti-corruption laws in India.

Renowned Cases

• 2G Spectrum Case: Gopal Subramanium was the lead counsel for the Government of India in the 2G spectrum case. This case was concerned with the irregularities in the allocation of 2G spectrum licenses. This case led to many significant reforms in the telecom sector.
• Ajmal Kasab Case: Acting as a Special Public Prosecutor, Subramanium led to the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab. Ajmal Kasab was the sole surviving terrorist from the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack.
• Sabarimala Temple Entry Case: He advocated for women’s right to worship, influencing the Supreme Court’s historic ruling on gender equality in religious practices.

5. Rebecca John

Rebecca John is one of India’s top criminal lawyers, known for her sharp legal mind and fearless advocacy in tough cases. She is currently practicing as a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India. She primarily works in criminal defense.

In 2013, she became the first woman to be designated as a Senior Counsel by the Delhi High Court for criminal law. She was enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1988. Ever since then, she has been practicing criminal law. Later, she was appointed as a Special Public Prosecutor by the High Court of Delhi. 

Rebecca John is also a mentor and legal educator. She speaks on criminal justice reforms, fair trials, and the rights of the accused, inspiring young lawyers to uphold ethical legal practices. 

 Renowned Cases 

• Priya Ramani Defamation Case: Rebecca John represented Priya Ramani in the criminal defamation suit filed by former Union Minister M.J. Akbar. In this case, Ramani had accused Akbar of sexual harassment.   The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in this landmark judgement, emphasized that a woman can voice her grievances even after many years and that the right to reputation cannot supersede the right to dignity.  Also read- How to file defamation case in India 
• Arushi Talwar Murder Case: Rebecca John defended Dr. Rajesh and Nupur Talwar in this case. 
• Unnao Rape Case: She represented the victim against a powerful politician, fighting for justice. 

6. Karuna Nundy

Karuna Nundy is a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India. She is also an international human rights lawyer and serves as a mediator at the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. She is an expert on the Columbia Global Freedom of Expression committee and a member of the High-Level Panel on Media Freedom. 

Renowned Cases

• Anti-Section 377 Petition: She advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in India.  
• Bhopal Gas Tragedy Case: She represented victims seeking justice and better compensation.
• Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India: She fought to strike down Section 66A of the IT Act, protecting free speech.

7. Indira Jaising

Indira Jaising is one of the best lawyers in India. She is also an activist and a Senior Advocate known for her human rights advocacy, especially for women’s rights.    In 1986, she became the first lawyer to be designated as the Senior Advocate by the Bombay High Court. She also served as the first Additional Solicitor General of India from 2009 to 2014.  

In 1981, Indira Jaising co-founded the Lawyers Collective with her husband. They worked for unprivileged and vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQ+, women and sex workers. However, its license was suspended for allegedly violating FCRA norms. 

Renowned Cases 

• Shayara Bano vs. Union of India: Jaising represented the Bebaak Collective in this case. They challenged the constitutionality of Triple Talaq.
• Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan: She helped create laws against workplace harassment.
• Githa Hariharan vs. RBI: She ensured mothers could be legal guardians of their children.

8. Vrinda Grover

Vrinda Grover is a prominent Indian lawyer, researcher, and human rights activist. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to women's rights, human rights law, and social justice in India.

She has also contributed to drafting laws related to violence against women, including The Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012, and the Prevention of Torture Bill 2010.  

Renowned Cases 

• Muzaffarnagar Riots: Following the communal violence in Muzaffarnagar in 2013, Grover represented several survivors of sexual violence, advocating for their rights and seeking justice.
• The 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Cases: She represented victims seeking justice for mass killings.
• Hashimpura Massacre (1987): She advocated for the families of 42 Muslim men killed by police. 

9. K.T.S Tulsi

K.T.S. Tulsi is a renowned Indian lawyer. He is currently designated as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India. He is known for his expertise in criminal law.  

He has handled several high-profile cases and served as a legal advisor to the Government of India. His influence extends beyond courtrooms to legislative reforms, making him a role model for young lawyers in India.    

Renowned Cases 

• Jessica Lal Murder Case: He represented Manu Sharma, the main accused in this highly publicized trial.
• Harshad Mehta Scam: He represented some of the accused in the infamous Harshad Mehta securities scam.
• Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case: He played a legal role in one of India’s most impactful cases.

10. Geeta Luthra

Geeta Luthra is a distinguished Senior Advocates at the Supreme Court of India. She is known for her expertise in criminal law, family law, and arbitration. She has handled major cases and represented both corporate clients and individuals.  

Beyond the courtroom, she mentors young lawyers, speaks at global legal conferences, and writes for top legal journals. She actively contributes to legal reforms and rights advocacy. 

Renowned Cases 

• Sarla Mudgal Case: She was part of this landmark case on religious conversion and bigamy under Hindu law.
• Tarun Tejpal Case: She provided legal counsel in a high-profile sexual assault case. 
• Adultery Law Challenge: She was part of the legal team that helped strike down the adultery law in India. 

Honoring the Legacies of Two Iconic Criminal Lawyers

1. Fali S. Nariman

Fali Sam Nariman (1929-2024) was an eminent Indian jurist and senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India from 1971. He was an internationally recognized expert in international arbitration and had a significant impact on India's constitutional jurisprudence.  

He enrolled as an advocate in the Bombay High Court in November 1950 and was designated as a senior advocate in 1961. Nariman began his legal career in commercial law before moving to Delhi in 1972 to practice in the Supreme Court of India.  

He served as Additional Solicitor General of India from May 1972, but resigned a day after the Emergency was imposed on June 26, 1975. He practiced law for over 70 years. 

Landmark Cases

• Bhopal gas tragedy case: He represented Union Carbide Corporation in one of the worst industrial disasters.
• Kesavananda Bharti Case: He helped in establishing the Basic Structure Doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution.
• Arunachal Pradesh President’s Rule Case: He argued against the imposition of President’s Rule, reinforcing democratic principles.

Legacy 

Fali S. Nariman was a leading figure in constitutional law. He was known for shaping India’s legal landscape. He advocated for judicial independence and fundamental rights, leaving a lasting impact on the legal system. He still continues to inspire future generations of lawyers through his work and contributions.

2. Ram Jethmalani

Ram Jethmalani (1923-2019) was a prominent Indian lawyer and politician known for his extensive legal career. He was also involved in numerous high-profile cases.  

He began practicing law at the young age of 17 and served as a Union Minister in the Vajpayee administration. Jethmalani started his legal career in Karachi before migrating to India during the Partition.

He also served as a Member of Parliament and held key positions like Minister of Law and Justice and Minister of Urban Development. He also taught law at various institutions, including Government Law College, Mumbai. 

Landmark Cases 

• K. M. Nanavati Case (1959): This case brought him into the limelight.
• Harshad Mehta Securities Scam: Jethmalani represented stockbroker Harshad Mehta in the 1992 securities scam.
• Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case: He defended one of the accused in the assassination.
• Indira Gandhi Assassination Case: Jethmalani represented Satwant Singh, one of the accused.

Legacy 

He was known for his sharp legal mind, fearless advocacy, and willingness to take on controversial cases. His contribution to criminal law, mentorship of young lawyers, and impact on Indian jurisprudence remain unparalleled.  

Conclusion

The Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India have set remarkable benchmarks in the legal field with their expertise, dedication, and strategic approach to defending their clients. Their contributions to landmark cases and justice delivery make them the most sought-after legal experts in the country.

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