A criminal lawyer is a legal professional who defends individuals or entities accused of criminal offenses. These attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring justice is served, from investigation and bail to trials and appeals. A skilled criminal lawyer must be well-versed in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (IPC), Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (CrPC), and other allied laws. Their responsibilities include drafting legal documents, researching precedent, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing clients in court. This article we covered here, 10 Top Criminal Lawyers in India with their fee, expertise areas, major cases and achievements.
Why Are Criminal Lawyers So Important?
Criminal law impacts both individual lives and society at large. A top criminal lawyer not only defends the rights of the accused but also upholds constitutional values. Their courtroom prowess, knowledge of evidence laws, and persuasive abilities can mean the difference between freedom and imprisonment. In a country as legally complex and diverse as India, these lawyers are often seen as both protectors and reformers of the justice system.
The Top Criminal Lawyers in India (Updated Order)
1. Harish Salve
- Educational Qualifications: A degree in law with LL.B from Nagpur University; training in chartered accountancy.
- Career Highlights: Eminent in constitutional and international litigations.
- Important Cases: Kulbhushan Jadhav (ICJ), Vodafone tax case, 2G spectrum, Mukesh Ambani gas dispute
2. Kapil Sibal
- Education: He did his LL.B. from Delhi University and an LL.M. from Harvard Law School.
- Fees: ₹15 and 20 lakh per appearance.
- Career Highlights: Prestigious career as a senior counsel of the Supreme Court, Union Minister, and prominent politician.
3. Siddharth Luthra
- Education: Law from University of Delhi, LL.M. from Cambridge
- Fee: Between ₹10 to ₹15 lakh for each appearance
- Major Cases: Nirbhaya gang rape case, 2G scam, economic offences
- Expertise: Cybercrime, white-collar offences, criminal procedure
4. Indira Jaising
- Education: LL.M. Government Law College, Mumbai
- Legal Fee: ₹5 to ₹10 lakh per appearance
- Professional Life: The first woman to have been appointed an Additional Solicitor General of India in 2009
- Notable Cases: Bilkis Bano (Gujarat riots), decriminalization of Section 377, women’s rights in Sabarimala
5. Abhishek Manu Singhvi
- Education: Educated at Delhi University, where he completed his LL.B.; Ph.D. from Trinity College, Cambridge
- Fee: Close to ₹10 to ₹15 lakh for each appearance
- Background: Senior Advocate, Member of Parliament (MP), Rajya Sabha (Congress)
- Major Cases: Personality rights; Sahara Group litigation
- Practice Area: Obsessed with weighing and balancing between high-society civil and criminal cases symmetrical; articulate and media savvy
6. Karuna Nundy
- Education: LL.B. from the University of Cambridge; LL.M. from Columbia Law School
- Profession: Advocate-at-the-Supreme-Court; Public interest litigation
- Achievements: Featured in TIME’s “100 Next” Leaders (2021); Influenced formation of India’s anti-rape laws
- Major Cases: Internet shutdown in Kashmir, Bhopal gas tragedy compensation, free speech
Why She’s Influential: She is a towering figure in Indian legal circles fighting for human rights and equality.
8. Gopal Subramanium
- Education: Delhi University; training in the United Kingdom.
- High-Profile Cases: 2001 Parliament attack (as Special Public Prosecutor), 2G scam.
- Contributions: Fighting judicial reforms; neglecting writing commentaries for the legal fraternity and for books themselves.
10. Ram Jethmalani (1923–2019)
- Education: B.A.L. from Sind Law College at just 17; later went on and finished L.L.M.
- Career: A legendary criminal lawyer, Law Minister, parliamentarian.
- Fee: ₹25 lakh per appearance.
- A few landmark cases: Harshad Mehta (stock scam), Manu Sharma (Jessica Lal murder), L.K. Advani (Babri case).
- Legacy: One of the boldest and outspoken personalities in the history of India.
- Criminal Life: A Path of Prestige and Responsibility
Are you considering criminal law as a profession? It involves:
- Passing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)
- Getting some practical experience working with a senior advocate or law firm
- Optional: Specializing further or doing an LL.M. in Criminal Law
There exist a few institutes that further produce various certificate courses like Mergers & Acquisitions, Cyber Law, and Criminal Procedure for fresh graduates and practicing advocates alike.
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Conclusion
India’s top criminal lawyers are much more than legal representatives—they are advocates of justice, voices for the voiceless, and protectors of the rule of law. With experience, ethics, and expertise, they have fought landmark cases that changed India’s legal and political landscape. Whether you are a law aspirant or a citizen curious about justice in action, understanding the role of these legal luminaries provides deep insights into how India’s criminal justice system works.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the highest paid criminal lawyer in India?
The highest-paid lawyer in India in criminal law, it is said, is Harish Salve, earning around ₹20 to ₹30 lakh per appearance. Prominence in international and constitutional matters places his fame in a class of its own.
2. Who are the top criminal lawyers in India in 2025?
India’s top criminal lawyers include Harish Salve, Kapil Sibal, Siddharth Luthra, Indira Jaising, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Karuna Nundy, K.T.S. Tulsi, Gopal Subramanium, Fali Nariman, and Ram Jethmalani (late).
3. What qualifications are needed to become a criminal lawyer in India?
To become a criminal lawyer, you must have an LL.B. degree, clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE), and be registered with a State Bar Council. Specialization in criminal law is optional but beneficial.
4. What is the average fee charged by top criminal lawyers in India?
Top criminal lawyers charge between ₹5 lakh to ₹30 lakh per appearance, depending on their experience, reputation, and the nature of the case.
5. Can a criminal lawyer practice in both trial and Supreme Courts?
Yes, criminal lawyers can practice in all courts—Trial Courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court, depending on their qualifications and seniority. Senior Advocates usually argue in High Courts and Supreme Court.
6. Are there any famous female criminal lawyers in India?
Yes. Indira Jaising and Karuna Nundy are two of India’s most influential female lawyers, known for their work in human rights, gender justice, and constitutional cases.
7. What are some landmark cases handled by top criminal lawyers?
Cases include the 2G spectrum scam (Kapil Sibal, Siddharth Luthra), Nirbhaya case (Siddharth Luthra), Kulbhushan Jadhav (Harish Salve), Bilkis Bano (Indira Jaising), and Vodafone tax case (Harish Salve).
8. Is criminal law a lucrative career in India?
Yes, criminal law can be highly rewarding both in terms of money and public recognition, especially for those who handle high-profile or sensitive cases. However, it requires years of experience and a strong legal foundation.
9. What’s the difference between a criminal and a civil lawyer?
Criminal lawyers handle cases related to crimes like murder, theft, fraud, and assault, whereas civil lawyers deal with disputes like property, contracts, divorce, and torts. Criminal law involves the state as a party, while civil law usually involves individuals.
10. How do I hire a top criminal lawyer in India? You can hire a top criminal lawyer through referrals, legal directories, bar associations, or professional legal platforms. It’s important to assess their track record, experience, and fee structure before proceeding.
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