Hemesh Venkatesan

Profile description

If you are a company director facing criminal proceedings that could derail your business and tarnish your reputation, you need a specialist who knows how to halt those cases at the earliest opportunity. Hemesh Venkatesan is the advocate who focuses on quashing criminal proceedings against directors before both the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Hemesh completed his LL.B. from the University of Rajasthan and earned a Master of Laws concentrating on Corporate Criminal Law from the National Law University, Delhi. He began his practice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he spent twelve years representing corporate clients in complex criminal matters. His experience includes advising on the Companies Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act and other statutes that commonly give rise to director prosecutions.

Quashing criminal proceedings against a director requires demonstrating that the prosecution lacks a prima facie case, that procedural safeguards were breached, or that the alleged conduct falls outside the scope of the specific statutory provision. Hemesh regularly files applications under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, seeking inherent jurisdiction to dismiss the case at the High Court level. He argues that the FIR is based on insufficient evidence, that the alleged acts were corporate decisions made in good faith, or that the charges are maliciously intended to intimidate the business.

Hemesh’s method begins with a forensic review of the charge sheet, the underlying documents and the board minutes that relate to the alleged wrongdoing. He meets with the director and senior management to reconstruct the decision‑making process and to identify any procedural lapses in the investigation. Within a short period he drafts a concise quashing application that combines statutory analysis with factual detail, emphasizing the lack of criminal intent and the potential abuse of process.

Hemesh has secured quashing of criminal proceedings in more than twenty‑nine high‑profile director cases. In one notable instance, he obtained a High Court order that dismissed a money‑laundering charge against a listed company’s managing director, enabling the firm to continue trading without interruption. In a separate matter before the Supreme Court, his review petition led to the reversal of a lower‑court decision that had ordered the prosecution of a board chairperson, restoring the individual’s professional standing. Clients regularly commend his tenacity and strategic foresight.

Beyond litigation, Hemesh advises companies on robust governance practices that minimize exposure to director liability. He conducts compliance audits, drafts internal policies on financial disclosures and conflict‑of‑interest management, and trains board members on how to document decisions to withstand future scrutiny. This preventive approach often eliminates the need for costly court battles by addressing potential legal vulnerabilities before they materialize.

Hemesh maintains a client‑centric communication channel throughout each stage of the case. He provides clear, jargon‑free updates after every filing, explains the strategic implications of each judicial response and prepares the client for any court appearance. His transparent style builds trust and ensures that directors are fully aware of their rights and options at all times.

Choosing Hemesh Venkatesan means entrusting your case to a lawyer with deep knowledge of corporate criminal law, proven success in both the High Court and the Supreme Court, and a commitment to protecting your professional future. When criminal proceedings threaten to impair your role as a director, he can help you secure a swift quashing, preserve your reputation and keep your business on track.

Criminal Law Practice Areas