List of Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India

Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India: Ram Jethmalani, Harish Salve, Mukul Rohatgi, Fali S. Nariman, and Gopal Subramaniam are among the top 10 criminal lawyers in India. These legal titans have shaped the landscape of Indian law with their expertise in criminal law influencing landmark cases and setting precedents.

Among the list arguably one of the most famous criminal lawyers is Ram Jethmalani. He is known for his sharp legal acumen, and celebrated career spanning over seven decades. He represented clients in some of the most complex and high-profile cases in Indian history, cementing his place as a legal icon. 

This article presents information on the top 10 criminal lawyers of India including their education and career progression and significant cases that marked their careers.

List of the Top 10 Criminal Lawyers in India

The top 10 criminal lawyers in India have been listed in the table below along with details regarding their education, career span, key roles held by them, and their per-court appearance average fees.

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1. Ram Jethmalani

Ram Jethmalani was an eminent Indian lawyer. He was recognized by his full name, Ram Boolchand Jethmalani. At the age of 17, he completed his LLB at Government Law College in Mumbai. Ram Jethmalani was India's best-known criminal lawyer. Ram Jethmalani had a thorough understanding of both civil and criminal law. Ram Jethmalani's diverse career included positions as a law professor, jurist, entrepreneur, lawyer, politician, and philanthropist.

Career Highlights

Jethmalani began his legal practice in Pakistan before moving to India after Partition. He swiftly established himself as India's foremost criminal lawyer. In addition to being a successful lawyer, Jethmalani was an active politician. He was a Member of Parliament and held various positions, including Minister of Law and Justice and Minister of Urban Development. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India.
• Union Law Minister of India.
• President of the Supreme Court Bar Association

Notable Cases

• L.K. Advani - Hawala Scam: Defended L.K. Advani leading to his acquittal.
• Indira Gandhi Assassination: Defended the accused in the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
• Harshad Mehta - Securities Scam: Represented Harshad Mehta in the securities scam case.
• Afzal Guru - Parliament Attack: Defended Afzal Guru in the 2001 Parliament attack case.
• KM Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra: Played a crucial role in this high-profile murder case.

Awards and Achievements

• Padma Vibhushan (2007).
• International Jurist Award (2011)
• Human Rights Award by World Peace Through Law (1977)

Legacy

He died on September 8, 2019, at the age of 95. His reputation as a talented lawyer and tenacious champion for his clients goes on. He was noted for his unusual style, frequently taking on contentious cases and defending individuals against popular opinion. His contributions to the legal profession, mentorship of new lawyers, and influence on Indian jurisprudence are unrivaled.

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2. Harish Salve

Harish Salve is a highly recognized Indian lawyer who specializes in criminal, constitutional, and commercial law. He has received a considerable reputation for his outstanding courtroom skills and ability to handle difficult legal challenges. Salve has defended India in significant international court cases, demonstrating his diplomatic abilities. Harish Salve's amazing career has gained him praise both in India and abroad.

Career Highlights

Harish Salve was appointed Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in 1992, bringing him to the pinnacle of India's legal profession. He was the Solicitor General of India from 1999 to 2002, and he represented the Indian government in a number of high-profile disputes. In addition to his Indian work, Salve has represented India and other clients in international arbitration proceedings. He is a member of the English Bar who works as a barrister in Blackstone Chambers in London. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Served as Solicitor General of India.
• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Represented India at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Notable Cases

• Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: Represented India at the ICJ in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.
• Vodafone Tax Dispute: Successfully represented Vodafone in the tax dispute with the Indian government.
• Tata vs. Mistry: Represented Tata Sons in the legal battle against Cyrus Mistry.
• Ambani vs. Ambani Gas Dispute: Represented Mukesh Ambani in the gas pricing dispute against Anil Ambani.
• Salman Khan - Hit-and-Run Case: Successfully defended Salman Khan in the 2002 hit-and-run case.

Awards and Achievements

• Padma Bhushan (2015)
• Honorary Queen's Counsel (QC) by the UK.
• Featured in several lists of the world’s top lawyers.

Legacy

Harish Salve is considered a legal luminary in both India and abroad. His practice covers a wide range of legal issues, including constitutional law, economic conflicts, and international arbitration. His ability to clearly communicate complicated legal issues, as well as his thorough understanding of Indian and international law, have made him a highly sought-after lawyer around the world. Salve is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts and contributions to law education. 

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3. Mukul Rohatgi

Mukul Rohatgi is an eminent lawyer and former Attorney General of India. Rohatgi, known for his strong legal acumen and adaptability, has made a substantial contribution to the legal arena. He has effectively handled numerous difficult matters, garnering the faith and respect of both his peers and adversaries. Rohatgi, who served as Attorney General from 2014 to 2017, demonstrated excellent legal expertise on behalf of the Indian government. He is well-known in the legal profession and has received recognition from major legal journals and organizations for his excellent contributions to the field of law.

Career Highlights

Mukul Rohatgi was appointed a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 1993, in recognition of his extraordinary legal knowledge and services to the profession. He was the Attorney General of India from June 2014 to June 2017, representing the Government of India in a variety of legal disputes and advising on national-level legal concerns. Rohatgi specializes in constitutional law, business law, and public interest litigation. He has defended clients in complicated constitutional and corporate matters, including Supreme Court proceedings and high-profile legal conflicts. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Served as the Attorney General of India (2014-2017).
• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Former Additional Solicitor General of India.

Notable Cases

• Triple Talaq Case: Represented the government in the Triple Talaq case.
• 2G Spectrum Case: Defended several accused in the 2G spectrum allocation case.
• Shah Bano Case: Played a significant role in the landmark Shah Bano case.
• Sabarimala Temple Entry Case: Defended the ban on the entry of women in the Sabarimala temple.
• Sahara vs. SEBI: Represented Sahara in the high-profile SEBI case

Awards and Achievements

• Recognized as one of India’s top lawyers for high-profile cases.
• Frequently listed among the highest-paid lawyers in India.

Legacy

Mukul Rohatgi is well-known for his effective advocacy abilities, ability to manage difficult legal challenges, and contributions to the legal profession and public service. Mukul Rohatgi's career is defined by his status as a top advocate, his tenure as India's Attorney General, and his contributions to the legal profession through high-profile cases and public service.

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4. K.T. S. Tulsi

K.T.S. Tulsi is a highly respected lawyer who specializes in criminal law. With over 25 years of legal experience, Tulsi has built a reputation for his engagement in high-profile cases where his legal acumen and commitment to his clients have made a difference. He is admired for his ability to persuade in court and understand complex legal matters. He is respected for his dedication to justice and legal competence.

Career Highlights

T. S. Tulsi was named a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India, in appreciation of his legal expertise and contributions to the profession. He served as Additional Solicitor General of India from 1990 to 1996. In this function, he represented the government in a number of significant lawsuits and was instrumental in developing a legal strategy. Tulsi has been a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, in addition to practicing law. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Former Additional Solicitor General of India.
• Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

Notable Cases

• Jessica Lal Murder Case: Prosecuted the case leading to the conviction of the accused.
• Naroda Patiya Massacre: Represented the victims in the Gujarat riots case.
• Tandoor Murder Case: Prosecuted Sushil Sharma in the infamous Tandoor murder case.
• Punjab Militancy Cases: Actively involved in several cases during the Punjab insurgency.
• Best Bakery Case: Represented victims in the Best Bakery case related to the Gujarat riots.

Awards and Achievements

• The National Law Day Award for Outstanding Jurist in 2016
• President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
• Recognized for his contributions to legal education and human rights.

Legacy

Tulsi is widely acknowledged in legal circles for his extensive grasp of criminal law and ability to negotiate complex legal issues. He is well-known for his dedication to maintaining the rule of law and working to guarantee that justice is delivered even in the most difficult circumstances. His influence extends beyond the courtroom; he is a proponent of legal changes and has been involved in legislative affairs through his membership in the Rajya Sabha. 

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5. Kapil Sibal

Kapil Sibal is a respected lawyer and former Union Minister who has made significant contributions to Indian law. With his eloquence and legal expertise, Sibal has handled a wide range of matters, not simply criminal law. He is respected for his dedication to fairness and justice in the legal system. Sibal received the National Law Day Award for Outstanding Jurist in 2015, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the legal profession. Throughout his career, he has worked to guarantee that laws are fair and just, making an indelible mark on the Indian legal scene.

Career Highlights

The Supreme Court of India appointed Kapil Sibal as a Senior Advocate in 1983, in recognition of his extraordinary legal talents and services. Sibal has represented clients in various high-profile disputes involving constitutional law, corporate law, and public interest litigation. He has been actively involved in public interest cases, representing a variety of clients in key constitutional and human rights problems. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Former Union Minister for Law and Justice.
• Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

Notable Cases

• 2G Spectrum Case: Defended the accused in the high-profile 2G spectrum case.
• Ayodhya Land Dispute: Represented the Sunni Waqf Board in the Ayodhya land dispute case.
• Defamation Case Against Arvind Kejriwal: Represented the Indian National Congress in the defamation case against Arvind Kejriwal.
• Coal Allocation Scam: Defended the accused in the coal allocation scam case.
• Supreme Court Judges Impeachment Case: Represented parties in the judicial impeachment proceedings.

Awards and Achievements

• Padma Bhushan (2006).
• Recognized as a top legal and political figure in India.

Legacy

Kapil Sibal is noted for his outstanding advocacy skills, strategic legal reasoning, and ability to manage difficult and high-profile legal cases. Throughout his career, he has been committed to legal excellence, and public service, and has had a considerable impact on India's legal and political scene. Kapil Sibal's long career has been marked by his role as a leading attorney, contributions as a senior politician, and influence on the Indian legal and political systems through his work in high-profile cases and public service.

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6. Gopal Subramaniam

Sri Gopal Subramanium is a well-recognized lawyer known for his honesty and legal expertise. With over 30 years of expertise, he has represented clients in several criminal cases, displaying his dedication to justice and the rule of law. Subramanium's uncompromising commitment to values and pursuit of justice garnered him respect from clients and fellow jurists. 

Career Highlights

Gopal Subramaniam was the Solicitor General of India from 2009 until 2011. In this position, he represented the government in a number of important cases before the Supreme Court of India. He was appointed a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India at a young age, in recognition of his exceptional legal ability and services to the legal sector. Subramaniam has also chaired other significant committees, like the one that suggested modifications to the Prevention of Corruption Act. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Served as Solicitor General of India.
• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Chairperson of the Bar Council of India.

Notable Cases

• Sohrabuddin Sheikh Encounter Case: Represented the accused in the encounter case.
• Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid Case: Played a key role as amicus curiae in the case.
• Telgi Stamp Paper Scam: Prosecuted the accused in the multi-crore stamp paper scam.
• Godhra Riots: Represented the government in the 2002 Gujarat riots cases.
• 2G Spectrum Case: Represented the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case.

Awards and Achievements

• National Law Day Award
• Recognized for his contributions to law and justice.
• Known for his impartiality and commitment to upholding the law.

Legacy

Gopal Subramaniam is widely regarded for his integrity, legal acumen, and contributions to several areas of law. His ability to handle difficult and sensitive cases with grace and precision has earned him an impressive reputation in the Indian legal community. In addition to his judicial accomplishments, Subramaniam is well-known for his intellectual contributions to legal literature and work in legal education. He is frequently requested to speak at important events and has written numerous articles and papers on legal topics.

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7. Fali S. Nariman

Nariman was a highly regarded legal luminary noted for his acute legal mind and unflinching dedication to justice. With a career spanning six decades, Nariman has represented clients in countless important cases, leaving an indelible impression on India's judiciary. He was recognized for his unwavering advocacy and dedication to the rule of law.

Career Highlights

The Supreme Court of India named Nariman as a Senior Advocate in 1971. This distinction established him as one of the country's top legal thinkers. He temporarily served as Solicitor General of India in 1975, demonstrating his legal abilities at the highest levels of government. Nariman served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1999 to 2005, where he made substantial contributions to legal and constitutional discussions. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Former Additional Solicitor General of India.
• Member of the Rajya Sabha.

Notable Cases

• Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Represented Union Carbide in the settlement case.
• Kesavananda Bharati Case: Played a crucial role in this landmark case on the basic structure doctrine.
• Emergency Case: Defended the government during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi.
• Tirupati Balaji Temple Case: Represented the temple trust in a dispute over religious rights.
• Arunachal Pradesh President’s Rule: Represented the state government in the case challenging the imposition of President's Rule.

Awards and Achievements

• Padma Vibhushan (2007)
• Padma Bhushan (1991)
• Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bar Association of India

Legacy

Fali S. Nariman is known not just for his legal expertise, but also for his unwavering dedication to defending India's principles of justice and democracy. His contributions to constitutional law have had a lasting impact on the Indian legal system. His work has guaranteed the protection of fundamental rights and the balance of authority between several government structures.

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8. Siddharth Luthra

Siddharth Luthra is a famous Indian lawyer who specializes in criminal law. He has contributed significantly to the Indian legal system, especially in the fields of constitutional, commercial, and criminal law. Luthra specializes in criminal law, white-collar crime, and cyberfraud. Apart from litigation, Luthra teaches law in India and overseas. He is a visiting professor at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK, and an Honorary Professor at Amity University in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Career Highlights

In 2007, the Delhi High Court appointed Siddharth Luthra as a Senior Advocate. He served as India's Additional Solicitor General from July 2012 to May 2014. He is particularly well-known for his work in white-collar crime, having represented a number of high-profile clients in challenging cases. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Former Additional Solicitor General of India.

Notable Cases

• Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case: Appointed as Special Public Prosecutor in the case.
• 2G Spectrum Case: Defended several accused in the spectrum allocation case.
• Coal Block Allocation Scam: Represented the accused in the coal block allocation cases.
• Sheena Bora Murder Case: Represented one of the accused in the case.
• Supreme Court Judges Impeachment Case: Represented parties in the judicial impeachment proceedings.

Awards and Achievements

• Recognized as a leading criminal lawyer in India.
• Regularly featured in top lawyer lists in India.

Legacy

Siddharth Luthra is renowned for his legal expertise, particularly in criminal law. He is also well-known for his contributions to legal education, having given several talks at law schools and legal forums. His expertise and reputation have earned him a place among India's most sought-after criminal lawyers.

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9. Abhishek Manu Singhvi

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a well-known Indian lawyer and politician, specializes in constitutional and corporate law. His outstanding career includes both legal practice and public service. Abhishek Manu Singhvi earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Economics from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi. He earned his LL.B. from the Faculty of Law at the University of Delhi. Singhvi got a Master's degree in Law from the University of Cambridge, where he focused on International and Constitutional Law. He also earned a DPhil from the University of Oxford.

Career Highlights

Singhvi was named a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 1997. He specializes in constitutional law, corporate law, and public interest litigation. Singhvi has represented many high-profile clients in challenging legal challenges, including constitutional issues, commercial conflicts, and public law. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Former Additional Solicitor General of India.
• Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

Notable Cases

• Ayodhya Land Dispute: Represented the Sunni Waqf Board in the Ayodhya land dispute case.
• 2G Spectrum Case: Defended the accused in the 2G spectrum allocation case.
• Collegium System Case: Argued in favor of the independence of the judiciary in the case.
• Adani-Hindenburg Dispute: Represented Adani in legal disputes related to the Hindenburg report.
• Defamation Cases: Represented multiple high-profile clients in defamation cases, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Awards and Achievements

• Recognized as one of the top legal minds in India.
• Notable for his contributions to legal practice and politics.

Legacy

He is noted for his work as an academic, who has taught and spoken on constitutional and international law. He has written various articles and papers on legal and constitutional topics, which have helped to shape legal research and public discourse. Singhvi's career is marked by his legal competence, public service efforts, and status as a notable advocate in both legal and political realms.

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10. Ravi Shankar Prasad

Career Highlights

Ravi Shankar Prasad is a renowned Indian lawyer and politician who has contributed significantly to both the legal profession and Indian politics. He is well-known for his constitutional legal skills, as well as his work as a senior attorney and minister in the Indian government. His work on legal reforms and technology projects has been appreciated both domestically and globally. Some of his career highlights include- 

• Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
• Former Union Minister for Law and Justice.
• Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

Notable Cases

• Bofors Scandal: Actively involved in the legal proceedings related to the Bofors scandal.
• Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid Case: Played a significant role in the legal battles over the Ayodhya dispute.
• 2G Spectrum Case: Represented the BJP in the case.
• Defamation Cases: Represented several political figures in defamation cases.
• Electoral Reforms: Advocated for transparency and accountability in election laws.

Awards and Achievements

• Recognized for his contributions to law and politics.
• Played a key role in shaping India's legal landscape as Law Minister.

Legacy

Ravi Shankar Prasad is well-known for his strong lobbying skills, strategic approach to legal difficulties, and his capacity to handle challenging legal and political matters. Ravi Shankar Prasad's career is notable for his work as a senior attorney, considerable contributions as a minister, and influence on legal and technological reforms in India. 

These lawyers have not only represented well-known clients but have also been involved in cases with important legal and social ramifications. Their education, typically from premier institutions in India and overseas, along with years of experience, has solidified their status as the country's finest legal minds.

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