India's criminal law framework changed significantly on 1 July 2024, when the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure. Advocate Naresh Kalra's practice is fully current on both the new codes and the substantial body of case law that still governs matters registered before the transition.
Criminal defence work demands more than legal knowledge — it demands speed, discretion and a calm head under pressure. Whether you are seeking anticipatory bail before an arrest, defending charges in trial, or looking to have an FIR quashed by the High Court, Advocate Kalra's courtroom experience across two decades is applied to protect your liberty and reputation.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
1. Crimes Against Women
Defence and complainant-side representation in matters involving domestic violence, dowry harassment, and offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, handled with sensitivity on both sides of the case.
2. Cybercrime and IT Act Offences
Representation in hacking, online fraud, identity theft and data-related offences under the Information Technology Act, 2000, an area of particular depth given Advocate Kalra's recognised expertise in cyber and technology law.
3. White-Collar and Financial Crime
Defence in matters involving fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust and financial misconduct, informed by direct consulting experience with the Enforcement Directorate on IT and PMLA e-filing matters.
4. Anticipatory Bail and FIR Quashing
Urgent applications for anticipatory bail under Section 482 BNSS (formerly Section 438 CrPC), and petitions before the High Court to quash frivolous or legally unsustainable FIRs under Section 528 BNSS (formerly Section 482 CrPC).
5. Property and Theft-Related Offences
Defence in cases involving theft, criminal breach of trust, forgery and related property offences under the BNS.
6. Narcotics (NDPS) Matters
Representation in prosecutions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, including bail applications, which carry stringent statutory conditions.
7. Criminal Appeals and Revisions
Challenging convictions or acquittals before the Sessions Court, the Punjab & Haryana High Court, or the Supreme Court of India.
8. Juvenile Justice Matters
Representation for minors accused of offences, with a focus on the rehabilitative framework of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Our Approach
In criminal matters, the first 48 hours often matter more than the next 48 weeks — we prioritise urgent action where liberty is at stake.
- Rapid Case Assessment: Same-day review of FIRs, complaints or summons to identify the most urgent legal steps, including bail applications and quashing petitions.
- Evidence-Led Strategy: Careful examination of the charge sheet, witness statements and forensic material to build a defence grounded in the actual record, not assumptions.
- Discretion: Criminal matters affect reputation as much as liberty — client confidentiality is treated as a strict professional obligation.
- Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy: Firm representation at every hearing, from bail applications to final arguments, without unnecessary adjournments that prolong a client's uncertainty.
- Coordination with Financial and Regulatory Expertise: For white-collar and PMLA-adjacent matters, criminal defence is coordinated with our banking, corporate and regulatory compliance practice.
Why Choose Advocate Naresh Kalra for Criminal Cases
Criminal cases require an advocate who can move quickly, understand both the old and new criminal codes, and has genuine standing before the courts that matter.
- Depth in Cyber and Financial Crime: Recognised expert consultant to the Enforcement Directorate on IT consultation and PMLA courts e-filing, giving direct insight into how financial and cyber offences are investigated and prosecuted.
- Current on BNS/BNSS/BSA: Fully updated practice covering the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam that replaced the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act in 2024.
- International Consulting Experience: Advisory work with federal courts in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya adds a comparative dimension to complex criminal and procedural questions.
- Access Across Forums: Chambers in Chandigarh and at the Supreme Court of India mean cases can be pursued seamlessly from the trial court to the apex court.
- Confidential, Personal Handling: Cases are handled directly with the client, not passed down an anonymous associate chain, particularly important in sensitive criminal matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately if an FIR is registered against me?
Avoid making statements to the police without legal advice, gather any documents or evidence relevant to your defence, and consult a criminal lawyer immediately to assess whether anticipatory bail or an FIR quashing petition is appropriate.
Has the Indian Penal Code been replaced?
Yes. As of 1 July 2024, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) has replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) has replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Offences committed before this date are generally still governed by the earlier codes, so it is important to have a lawyer who understands both frameworks.
What is the difference between anticipatory bail and regular bail?
Anticipatory bail (Section 482 BNSS) is sought before arrest, to prevent detention. Regular bail is sought after arrest has already taken place, to secure release from custody pending trial. See our dedicated Bail Matters page for more detail.
Can an FIR be quashed before trial?
Yes, in appropriate cases the High Court can quash an FIR under its inherent powers (Section 528 BNSS) where the allegations, even if taken at face value, do not disclose a criminal offence, or where the complaint is shown to be malicious or an abuse of process.
Do you handle both cybercrime victims and cybercrime accused?
Yes. We represent complainants seeking to report and pursue cyber offences such as hacking, online fraud and identity theft, as well as individuals and businesses defending against cybercrime allegations.
Is a criminal case handled differently for NRIs?
The core criminal process is the same, but practical arrangements — video-conference hearings where courts permit them, coordination with local counsel, and keeping travel to India to a minimum — are built into how we manage NRI clients' criminal matters.
Talk to Advocate Naresh Kalra Today
With 20+ years of legal experience across Chandigarh, Mohali, Delhi and the Supreme Court of India -- and a trusted network serving NRI clients across the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, UAE, Singapore and Europe -- Advocate Naresh Kalra is ready to help with your criminal cases matter.
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