Prerna Mohanty

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When a complaint of cheating lands you in a police station, the fear of losing reputation and freedom can dominate your thoughts. Prerna Mohanty, an experienced criminal advocate practicing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, steps in to evaluate the accusation and craft a defence that targets the heart of the prosecution’s case.

Fraud and cheating charges often hinge on the interpretation of contracts, electronic records, and witness statements. Prerna Mohanty can help by dissecting each claim, locating discrepancies, and presenting alternate narratives that challenge the credibility of the complainant. The advocate routinely files petitions that demand strict compliance with evidentiary standards, arguing that the alleged deception lacks the necessary mens rea.

The lawyer conducts a forensic review of bank statements, digital footprints, and communication logs. By collaborating with certified accountants and cyber‑forensics specialists, Prerna Mohanty uncovers hidden transactions that often exonerate the client. In many instances, the advocate has secured the dismissal of charges by showing that the alleged loss was a result of a genuine commercial dispute rather than intentional cheating.

The advocate earned a Bachelor of Laws from Punjabi University and later completed a Master of Laws specializing in criminal jurisprudence. Over fourteen years of practice, the lawyer has appeared in more than three hundred fraud matters, ranging from petty cheating to large‑scale financial scams. This extensive background equips Prerna Mohanty with a nuanced understanding of how investigative agencies build their cases and how to dismantle them.

A recent high‑profile case involved a ₹5 crore banking fraud where the client was accused of forging signatures. Prerna Mohanty filed a detailed cheating defence petition, presenting expert testimony that the signatures were digitally altered after the client had signed a legitimate document. The High Court accepted the defence, dismissed the fraud charge, and ordered the investigation agency to file a clean closure report.

Negotiation and settlement are integral parts of the defence strategy. Prerna Mohanty often engages with the prosecution early to explore alternative resolutions that spare the client from a prolonged trial. In several cases, the advocate has secured compromise settlements that reduced the charge to a lesser offence or obtained a full withdrawal, saving clients from the stress and cost of courtroom battles.

The lawyer’s commitment to professional growth is reflected in regular participation in national criminal law seminars and membership in the Criminal Lawyers Association of India. Awards for excellence in criminal defence have been bestowed by the Punjab and Haryana Bar Association on three occasions. Such recognitions reinforce the confidence that clients place in the advocate’s ability to navigate complex legal terrain.

The advocate believes that transparent communication reduces anxiety and improves decision‑making. During the initial consultation, Prerna Mohanty outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the appeal or revision, outlines possible outcomes, and sets realistic expectations for timelines and costs. Throughout the litigation, the lawyer provides regular updates, ensuring that the client remains fully informed.

Criminal Law Practice Areas