The legal field of criminal litigation in India represents a serious legal practice which leads to results that determine how people will spend their lives and how others will see them and what opportunities they will have in life. The presence of a competent lawyer becomes essential throughout all legal processes which start with bail requests and continue to the most complex criminal court proceedings. The Top 10 Criminal Lawyer in India demonstrate their expertise through their comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and their ability to maintain a strong presence in court and their experience with handling both delicate and high-stakes legal cases.

The article provides a List of top 10 criminal lawyer in India along with their areas of specialisation and the typical fees they charge which enables readers to predict the costs of hiring senior criminal defense attorneys.

Importance of Choosing the Top 10 Criminal Lawyer in India

Criminal cases require strict procedural rules together with forensic evidence and multiple rounds of cross-examination. Selecting a lawyer from the Top 10 Criminal Lawyer in India ensures the accused person gets complete legal help throughout their entire legal process.

Why experience matters

• Criminal law demands exact understanding of IPC and CrPC/BNSS and NDPS Act and special statutes. 
• Senior advocates possess knowledge about investigation weaknesses and the protection measures which exist in legal procedures. 
• The trial preparation and appeals process becomes easier for experienced lawyers than for inexperienced lawyers.

Many Famous criminal lawyers in India have shaped criminal jurisprudence through landmark judgments and high-profile cases.

Top 10 Criminal Lawyer in India – List and Their Fees 

1. Ram Jethmalani – Icon of Criminal Law

• Known globally among Renowned criminal lawyers in India
• Represented clients in landmark murder, corruption, and constitutional cases
• Famous for aggressive defense and strong cross-examination
• Earlier Fees: ₹20–30 lakh per appearance

Renowned Cases

• Harshad Mehta and Ketan Parekh: Ram Jethmalani defended both in major stock market scam cases which he used to fight against regulatory failures while he developed reforms for India’s securities and financial laws.
• Indira Gandhi’s Assassins: Ram Jethmalani defended the accused in a highly charged political climate, upholding the principle that every accused is entitled to legal representation despite
• Asaram Bapu: Ram Jethlalani defended Asaram Bapu during a sexual assault case which received extensive media coverage, showing that all defendants deserve legal representation even though the defendant was found guilty.

2. Kapil Sibal – Senior Criminal Lawyer in India

• Widely regarded as a Senior criminal lawyer in India
• Handles criminal matters involving constitutional and political implications
• Regular appearances before constitutional benches
• Fees: ₹15–25 lakh per hearing
  

Renowned Cases

• Babri Masjid Case: I served as the legal representative for the Sunni Waqf Board in this politically charged matter which required historical proof and judicial reasons. 
• Triple Talaq Case: The AIMPLB appointed me to provide legal strategic advice about religious freedom under Article 25 while I defended their constitutional rights. 
• Rafale Deal Controversy: I challenged the Rafale fighter jet procurement because the case involved criminal law which affects both governance and transparency matters. 
• 2G Spectrum Case: The defense team represented politicians who faced accusations in this major corruption case through their focus on both procedural compliance and economic offence law interpretation. 
• Coal Allocation Scam Case: The legal team represented clients who faced policy violation allegations while they showed legal examination and constitutional protection during politically sensitive investigations. 

3. Harish Salve – Supreme Court Specialist

• Counted among the Top criminal advocates in Supreme Court of India
• Known for persuasive advocacy and strategic criminal defense
• Appears in high-value criminal appeals
• Fees: ₹10–18 lakh per appearance
  

Renowned Cases

• Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: Represented India at the ICJ in a high-stakes international litigation, securing consular rights under international law.
• Vodafone Tax Case: Defended Vodafone in a landmark economic offence case, challenging retrospective taxation and ensuring investor protection.
• Decriminalization of Homosexuality (Section 377): Advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, contributing to a constitutional rights reform case.
• Reliance Industries Dispute: Represented corporate clients in a complex commercial-criminal intersection case, addressing procedural safeguards and regulatory compliance.
• British Airways Tax Matter: Defended the airline in a high-value cross-border tax dispute, focusing on legal interpretation and procedural compliance.

4. Mukul Rohatgi – Former Attorney General

• Among the High profile criminal lawyers in India
• Extensive experience in serious criminal and economic offence cases
• Strong presence in Supreme Court litigation
• Fees: ₹12–20 lakh per hearing
  

Renowned Cases

• 2G Spectrum Case: The defendant participated in the politically charged criminal proceedings by demonstrating both his legal rights and the required procedural rules.
• Commonwealth Games Scam: The defense team for the case which involved major corruption and economic crimes challenged both the methods used for investigation and the weaknesses in collected evidence.
• Coal Allocation Scam: The legal team provided strategic guidance to the client by demonstrating how constitutional rights and fair trial standards should be applied in the economic crime investigation.
• Medical Council of India Case: The government represented itself during the major case which involved both administrative and criminal law matters to determine how the organization followed regulations and maintained legal responsibilities.
• Cabinet Ministers’ Legal Matters: The team provided legal advice and defense services to political leaders who faced dangerous criminal inquiries while ensuring that all legal procedures and rights protection rules were followed.

5. Abhishek Manu Singhvi – Criminal and Constitutional Expert

• One of the Leading criminal advocates in India
• Handles complex criminal cases involving public figures
• Known for in-depth legal reasoning
• Fees: ₹8–15 lakh per appearance
  

Renowned Cases

• Jayalalithaa Disproportionate Assets Case: The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister received legal representation during a politically sensitive criminal case which examined his procedural rights and constitutional guarantees.
• Vijay Mallya Extradition and Financial Cases: The legal team provided strategic guidance for high-value corporate cases and economic offence cases which involved multijurisdictional legal challenges.
• Defamation Cases involving Public Figures: The legal team defended politicians and celebrities during high-stakes cases which involved both criminal and civil proceedings while emphasizing the need for fair trial rights and evidence examination.
• Disqualification of MLAs under Anti-Defection Law: The legal team served clients in cases which involved constitutional law and governance matters while upholding rights to due process and legal compliance.
• Electoral Law Cases: The legal team provided counsel during politically sensitive disputes which involved criminal law and constitutional rights and governance matters.

6. Siddharth Luthra – Criminal Law Specialist

• Recognized as a Best criminal defense lawyer in India
• Focuses on criminal trials, bail matters, and appeals
• Former Additional Solicitor General of India
• Fees: ₹5–10 lakh per hearing
  

Renowned Cases

• 2G Spectrum Case: Defended accused in a high-stakes economic offence case, focusing on procedural safeguards and evidentiary scrutiny.
• Coal Allocation Scam: Provided strategic legal guidance to clients, emphasizing constitutional protections and compliance with legal procedures.
• Medical Negligence and Regulatory Matters: Represented institutions in high-profile criminal and administrative intersection cases, ensuring adherence to due process.
• Anticipatory Bail Matters in Serious Offences: Successfully defended clients in high-risk criminal cases, highlighting constitutional protections of the accused.
• Corporate Criminal Liability Cases: Provided defense in complex corporate-criminal intersection cases, focusing on procedural lapses and regulatory compliance.

7. Rebecca John – Eminent Criminal Trial Lawyer

• Known for strong courtroom advocacy
• Among the most respected Renowned criminal lawyers in India
• Handles murder trials and sensitive criminal matters
• Fees: ₹4–8 lakh per appearance
  

Renowned Cases

• Jessica Lal Murder Case: I defended the defendant during the publicized criminal trial which I conducted through my examination of evidence and my performance in court. 
• Delhi Gang Rape Case: The defense team protected the accused rights through their defense work in this dangerous public case which required special protection measures. 
• Murder Trials Involving Public Figures: I defended clients during critical criminal trials by contesting the police investigation methods which protected their right to a fair trial. 
• Criminal Appeals in High Courts: I represented clients during complex appellate proceedings which required me to investigate both procedural violations and evidence-related matters. 
• Sexual Assault and Abuse Cases: I defended controversial criminal cases which required me to provide legal representation to clients despite public opposition. 

8. Mahesh Jethmalani – Senior Criminal Advocate

• Son of Ram Jethmalani and an established name himself
• Counted among Leading criminal advocates in India
• Known for trial work and criminal appeals
• Fees: ₹4–7 lakh per hearing

Renowned Cases

• Corporate Fraud Cases: I defended corporate executives who faced serious financial crime charges because I focused on both legal protection measures and essential industry regulations.
• Trial and Appeal Work in Murder Cases: The defense I presented in dangerous criminal trials concentrated on examining evidence while maintaining constitutional rights.
• Political Figures’ Legal Matters: I defended politicians who faced delicate criminal allegations through strategic legal advice and adherence to court procedures.
• Complex Financial Litigation: The defense team challenged financial crime charges against clients by proving that law enforcement violated investigative rules and judicial process requirements during their prosecution.
• Defamation and Reputation Matters: I defended clients in cases that combined political criminal charges with civil legal disputes to guarantee their legal rights and entitlement to a fair trial.

9. Salman Khurshid – Supreme Court Advocate

• Among High profile criminal lawyers in India
• Handles criminal cases involving political and constitutional aspects
• Regular Supreme Court appearances
• Fees: ₹6–12 lakh per appearance

Renowned Cases

• Hawala Scandal Defense Legal Team: The team defended key political leaders in a criminal case which required special attention to both constitutional rights and legal procedure requirements.
• Election-Related Criminal Cases: The team provided legal advice to political parties during their election-related disputes while maintaining compliance with election laws and protecting defendants’ right to fair hearings.
• Defamation Cases involving Public Figures: The lawyer represented clients in cases that involved both criminal and civil matters which required detailed review of evidence and development of legal plans.
• Corruption Allegations in Government Contracts: The lawyer defended clients in economic offence cases by proving that authorities used unlawful methods to conduct their investigations and to implement their procedures.
• Supreme Court Appeals of Politically Exposed Persons: The lawyer represented clients in criminal appellate proceedings through demonstration of their constitutional rights and legal procedural protections.

10. Aman Lekhi – Criminal Law Authority

• Considered a Best criminal lawyer in India for trial advocacy
• Strong knowledge of criminal procedure and evidence law
• Appears in High Courts and Supreme Court
• Fees: ₹3–6 lakh per hearing

Renowned Cases

• Defamation and Reputation Cases: The attorney handled high-profile cases which involved criminal and civil law violations by representing clients through all judicial proceedings.
• White-Collar Crime and Economic Offences: The lawyer defended clients who faced financial litigation challenges by demonstrating their compliance with regulations and their adherence to proper procedures.
• Corporate Criminal Liability Matters: The attorney provided legal strategies for complicated corporate criminal cases which required protection of the defendant’s constitutional rights.
• High Court and Supreme Court Appeals: The attorney represented clients in critical appellate cases which required assessment of evidence and proper execution of legal procedures.
• Political and Public Figure Legal Matters: The attorney represented political figures who faced serious criminal charges by developing legal tactics and ensuring proper legal procedures were followed.

Who Is the Top Criminal Lawyer in India?

The question Who is the top criminal lawyer in India depends on multiple factors rather than one individual name.

Key determining factors:

• Nature of offence (serious crime, economic offence, special law)
• Court level (Trial Court, High Court, Supreme Court)
• Lawyer’s trial experience or appellate expertise

While many names appear in the Top 10 Criminal Lawyer in India, legends like Ram Jethmalani, Kapil Sibal, and Harish Salve are often regarded as the most influential due to their experience, case impact, and courtroom authority.

Factors Affecting Fees of Criminal Lawyers in India

Fees charged by the Top 10 Criminal Lawyer in India vary based on:

• Complexity and seriousness of the criminal charge
• Duration of the trial or appeal
• Court jurisdiction and number of hearings
• Seniority and reputation of the advocate

Engaging a Best criminal lawyer in India may involve higher fees, but it also ensures strong legal planning, procedural protection, and effective courtroom representation.

Conclusion

Choosing from the Top 10 Criminal Lawyer in India can make a significant difference in criminal litigation outcomes. These Famous criminal lawyers in India bring decades of courtroom experience, legal insight, and strategic thinking. Whether facing trial, appeal, or bail proceedings, engaging a Senior criminal lawyer in India ensures professional handling of sensitive criminal matters.