Barnali Shetty

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When the police charge you with attempted murder, the accusation carries a heavy stigma and the risk of a long prison term. In that critical hour, Barnali Shetty can build a defence that scrutinises every element of the charge and aims to protect your freedom.

Barnali Shetty has spent more than twelve years defending clients in serious criminal matters before the Punjab and Haryana High Court and, when necessary, before the Supreme Court of India. The lawyer earned a law degree from Chandigarh University and a master’s specialising in criminal defence from the National Law School of India University. Early practice as a junior advocate in the Chandigarh district courts exposed the lawyer to complex homicide and attempted homicide cases, laying the foundation for a reputation for meticulous preparation and courtroom tenacity.

An attempt to murder charge hinges on proving both the intention to kill and an overt act towards that end. The lawyer’s strategy begins with a forensic review of the incident, questioning the reliability of eyewitness statements, and examining ballistic or medical evidence for inconsistencies. In the High Court, Barnali Shetty can file a detailed defence brief that challenges the prosecution’s narrative, highlights any lack of pre‑meditation, and argues that the alleged act falls short of the legal threshold for murder. If the High Court’s judgment is adverse, the lawyer can move a criminal review petition to the Supreme Court, asserting that the lower court erred in interpreting intent or misapplied the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

The lawyer’s track record includes several high‑profile acquittals. In a 2022 case involving a disputed road‑rash that was framed as attempted murder, Barnali Shetty secured a discharge by proving that the alleged weapon was never fired and that the victim’s injuries were self‑inflicted. In another recent matter, the lawyer achieved a Supreme Court stay on a conviction, where the apex court accepted that the intent element was not established beyond reasonable doubt. These results stem from an ability to coordinate expert witnesses, such as forensic pathologists and ballistic analysts, and to present evidence that creates reasonable doubt.

Clients note a compassionate yet assertive style. The lawyer meets the accused shortly after arrest, conducts a full interview, and compiles a timeline that may reveal alibi possibilities or procedural lapses in the investigation. The lawyer then prepares a defence dossier, drafts pre‑trial motions, and, if required, negotiates with the prosecution for a reduced charge under the principle of ‘compromise in felony’. Throughout, Barnali Shetty keeps the client informed in plain language, explaining the possible outcomes at each stage and the risks associated with plea bargaining versus full trial.

In addition to the core defence, the lawyer regularly handles bail applications, anticipatory bail, and revision petitions in both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court. This comprehensive capability ensures that the client’s liberty is protected while the substantive defence proceeds. The lawyer also stays current with recent Supreme Court pronouncements that have refined the interpretation of ‘attempt’ and ‘intent’, allowing the defence to leverage evolving jurisprudence.

If you are facing an attempt to murder charge, an experienced advocate who regularly defends such serious offences in the Chandigarh jurisdiction can make the difference between a lengthy sentence and a lawful acquittal. Barnali Shetty offers a rigorous, evidence‑driven approach aimed at dismantling the prosecution’s case and securing the best possible result in the High Court or, if needed, before the Supreme Court of India.

Criminal Law Practice Areas