Dhruv Shekhawat

Profile description

You or a loved one have been accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the allegation carries severe social and legal consequences. Facing a trial in the Punjab and Haryana High Court or even an appeal to the Supreme Court of India, you need a lawyer who understands the delicate balance between protecting a minor’s welfare and defending the accused’s rights. Dhruv Shekhawat brings focused expertise in POCSO defence to guide you through this complex terrain.

POCSO cases require careful handling of sensitive evidence, mandatory reporting requirements, and strict procedural timelines. Dhruv Shekhawat regularly assists clients in scrutinizing the admissibility of medical reports, evaluating the credibility of witness statements, and challenging any procedural lapses that could jeopardize a fair trial. He knows how to file applications for forensic re‑examination, seek protection orders for the accused’s family, and request appropriate interim relief from the court. His strategy often involves presenting alternative explanations for alleged acts while respecting the court’s duty to protect children.

When the case progresses to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the stakes intensify. The High Court reviews both the factual matrix and the application of the POCSO provisions. Dhruv Shekhawat can help you prepare comprehensive appeal briefs that question the lower court’s interpretation of key statutory language, such as the definition of “sexual intent” or the scope of “aggravating circumstances.” He draws on a library of precedent decisions where the High Court has clarified the limits of punishment, thereby providing a roadmap for a more favorable outcome.

If the High Court’s decision remains unfavorable, the next step may be a petition before the Supreme Court of India. Dhruv Shekhawat is experienced in drafting Special Leave Petitions that focus on substantial questions of law, such as the interplay between POCSO and the right to a fair trial, or the proportionality of sentencing. He can also assist with curative petitions if procedural errors appear after the Supreme Court’s judgment. Throughout the process, he makes sure that all filings comply with the strict formatting and timing rules of the apex court.

Dhruv Shekhawat’s credentials include an LL.B. from Panjab University and a postgraduate diploma in Child Rights Law from the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. He started his career as a junior under a senior advocate who pioneered POCSO jurisprudence, later establishing a practice dedicated to defending the accused in such cases. Over the past twelve years, he has achieved several dismissals and reductions in sentences by highlighting evidentiary gaps, procedural irregularities, and misinterpretations of the law. Clients commend his empathetic yet assertive style, his ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language, and his relentless pursuit of a balanced justice outcome. If you are confronting a POCSO charge, Dhruv Shekhawat can explain your rights, develop a robust defence strategy, and work toward a resolution that safeguards your future.

Criminal Law Practice Areas