Ishika Joshi

Profile description

If you have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and are also facing denial of bail, the legal battle can feel overwhelming. Ishika Joshi is a lawyer who regularly assists clients with NDPS defence, default bail applications, and criminal review petitions before both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Graduating with distinction from the Faculty of Law, Panjab University, Joshi completed a master’s degree in Criminal Law and subsequently qualified as an advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The lawyer spent five years in the state’s DDU (Directorate of Drugs Control) prosecutor’s office, gaining insider knowledge of how NDPS cases are built and prosecuted. This unique background now informs the defence strategies employed in private practice.

NDPS charges carry severe penalties, including long imprisonment and forfeiture of property. Joshi can help by scrutinising the seizure report, challenging the legality of the search, and questioning the chain of custody for seized substances. The lawyer often uncovers procedural lapses, such as lack of a valid warrant or improper lab testing, which can lead to the evidence being excluded. In several recent matters, Joshi secured a complete dismissal after demonstrating that the alleged contraband was planted.

Default bail arises when a trial court denies bail without sufficient justification. Joshi can file a swift petition that highlights the client’s ties to the community, stable employment, and willingness to cooperate with investigators. The lawyer emphasizes the principle that liberty should not be unnecessarily restricted before a conviction. By presenting affidavits from employers and family members, Joshi often persuades the bench to overturn the default denial and grant immediate release.

When lower courts erred in interpreting NDPS provisions, a criminal review petition before the Supreme Court can rectify the mistake. Joshi can draft a comprehensive petition that cites relevant Supreme Court precedents, argues mis‑application of the law, and requests a review of the conviction. The lawyer’s familiarity with the Supreme Court’s procedural nuances enables filing within the prescribed period, which many clients overlook. A recent review petition resulted in the Supreme Court setting aside a twenty‑year sentence, citing lack of proper evidence.

Joshi believes that transparent communication reduces the stress of criminal proceedings. The lawyer meets clients promptly, explains each step of the bail or review process, and provides written summaries of all filings. Regular updates are given, and the lawyer ensures that the client can ask questions at any stage. This client‑focused method has led to high satisfaction scores and referrals from families who appreciate the lawyer’s empathy and diligence.

Clients who retain Joshi typically see bail granted within days of filing and often obtain a reduction or dismissal of NDPS charges after a thorough evidentiary challenge. The lawyer’s success rate in Supreme Court review petitions is among the highest in the region, reflecting a deep understanding of both substantive and procedural criminal law. While each case depends on its facts, Joshi’s track record shows a strong ability to protect liberty and secure favorable outcomes.

Beyond courtroom advocacy, Joshi conducts seminars for community groups on drug‑law awareness and advises NGOs on legal safeguards for at‑risk individuals. This broader engagement keeps the lawyer attuned to emerging trends and reinforces a commitment to not only defend but also educate, empowering clients to navigate the criminal justice system confidently.

Criminal Law Practice Areas