Navleen Mukherjee

Profile description

Imagine being accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) or the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, facing arrest, media scrutiny, and the fear of a long imprisonment. Navleen Mukherjee is the lawyer who stands ready to protect your rights from the very first police interaction through to the appellate stage. With extensive experience before both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India, Mukherjee offers a focused defence strategy that addresses the complexities of drug‑related offenses and child‑protection statutes.

Born and raised in Chandigarh, Mukherjee completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Delhi and later earned a Master of Laws specialising in criminal defence. Over the past twelve years, they have been an active advocate in the High Court, handling hundreds of NDPS and POCSO matters. Early in their career, Mukherjee assisted senior counsel in a landmark Supreme Court judgment that clarified the standards for searching premises under the NDPS Act. This exposure to precedent‑setting cases sharpened their ability to challenge unlawful investigations and protect vulnerable defendants.

In NDPS defence, Mukherjee first examines the legitimacy of the seizure and the chain of custody. They scrutinise whether the police followed the statutory requirements for obtaining a warrant, whether the laboratory reports are authentic, and whether the quantity of the seized substance justifies the charge under the Act. By filing detailed objections and, when necessary, invoking the Supreme Court’s directions on proportionality, Mukherjee can often secure a reduction of charges or even a dismissal. Their courtroom style combines rigorous legal research with a compelling narrative that highlights any procedural lapses and evidentiary weaknesses.

For clients facing POCSO allegations, Mukherjee stresses the importance of safeguarding the presumption of innocence while ensuring that any investigation respects the child’s rights. They review the recording of statements, verify compliance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, and check for any violations of the mandatory police procedure. By filing appropriate applications for interim relief, Mukherjee can obtain a stay on the investigation or request that the case be transferred to a designated Child Friendly Court. Their experience in the High Court has produced several rulings where improperly recorded testimonies were excluded, leading to acquittals or reduced charges.

When a conviction has already been handed down, Mukherjee can move quickly to apply for suspension of the sentence pending appeal. This relief is crucial for individuals who must remain free to earn a livelihood or who have family responsibilities. Mukherjee prepares a comprehensive affidavit outlining the merits of the appeal, the potential hardship caused by incarceration, and any errors in the trial judgment. By presenting these arguments before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and, if required, before the Supreme Court, they have secured suspension orders in the majority of cases, allowing clients to stay out of prison while the appeal proceeds.

Clients who have engaged Mukherjee commend the lawyer’s meticulous preparation, strategic use of precedent, and compassionate handling of sensitive matters. In NDPS prosecutions, Mukherjee has achieved charge reductions of up to sixty percent and secured acquittals where evidence was contraband. In POCSO defenses, they have obtained stays and dismissals that protect both the accused’s liberty and the child’s welfare. The combination of swift suspension filings and persuasive appellate advocacy ensures that a client’s life is not unnecessarily disrupted while the higher courts examine the merits. If you are confronting a drug‑related charge, a child‑protection allegation, or a harsh sentence, Mukherjee can explain your options and fight for the relief you deserve.

Criminal Law Practice Areas