Surabhi Karandikar

Profile description

Facing a criminal conviction that feels unjust can leave a person desperate for a second chance. Surabhi Karandikar steps in as an advocate well‑versed in navigating the Supreme Court of India’s complex procedures. By focusing on special leave petitions and criminal review petitions, Karandikar aims to overturn wrongful judgments, restore liberty, and protect the client’s future. The lawyer’s deep familiarity with Supreme Court precedents equips clients with a fighting chance even after lower‑court verdicts.

Special leave petitions (SLPs) provide the final opportunity to bring a case before the apex court when lower tribunals have erred. Karandikar can scrutinise trial records, pinpoint procedural violations, and draft petitions that argue why the Supreme Court should intervene. The advocate emphasizes precise legal citations, a clear articulation of constitutional breaches, and a concise narrative that demonstrates the gravity of the injustice. In numerous instances, the Supreme Court has granted leave based on such well‑structured submissions, opening the door to a full appeal.

Once special leave is granted, the next phase is filing a detailed appeal that challenges the legal reasoning of the original judgment. Karandikar prepares exhaustive appellate briefs, incorporates any admissible new evidence, and crafts oral arguments that focus on the pivotal points of law. The advocate’s strategy often highlights how the lower court misapplied statutes or ignored fundamental rights, persuading the bench to set aside the conviction or remit the case for retrial.

Criminal review petitions (CRPs) are a distinct tool that allows a convicted person to seek relief directly from the Supreme Court on grounds such as violation of due process or newly discovered evidence. Karandikar is proficient in drafting CRPs that focus on procedural lapses, illegal arrest, or evidentiary flaws that were not addressed in earlier stages. By presenting a compelling case for review, the advocate can obtain interim relief, stay the sentence, or even achieve a complete overturn of the conviction.

With more than twelve years of exclusive practice before the Supreme Court, Karandikar has managed over a thousand criminal matters, achieving SLP success in nearly eighty percent of cases. Notable victories include a landmark reversal for a journalist wrongly convicted under a sedition charge and a criminal review petition that led to the release of a migrant worker detained without proper charge sheet. These outcomes not only freed the individuals but also set important precedents that strengthen procedural safeguards for future defendants.

Karandikar’s practice centers on transparent communication and meticulous preparation. The advocate meets clients promptly after filing the petition, explains each procedural step, and provides regular updates on any Court orders. By conducting thorough document reviews, consulting forensic or legal experts when needed, and rehearsing oral arguments, the lawyer ensures that the final Supreme Court presentation is both persuasive and precise. This client‑focused methodology reduces anxiety and builds confidence during a time that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

The commitment is clear: to exhaust every legal avenue that can restore liberty and uphold justice. Karandikar pledges to leave no argument unexplored, to file every viable petition, and to fight relentlessly until a fair resolution is achieved. Clients who have partnered with Karandikar speak of swift procedural victories, reduced sentences, and, in several cases, full exoneration. The advocate’s dedication to protecting life and liberty remains the driving force behind each petition filed before the Supreme Court.

Criminal Law Practice Areas