Hemant Shah
Partner
Education
Higher Secondary, Birla
High School, Kolkata
2001-2003
BA.LLB, Sardar Patel
Subharti Institute of Law,
Meerut
2005-2011
Profile
Hemant Shah is a New Delhi-based advocate who appears before the Supreme Court of India and other forums in matters spanning economic offences, constitutional writ practice, and high-profile civil and criminal disputes. His recent work reflects a practice built around complex, high-stakes litigation, alongside recognised contributions to the legal profession through industry awards and public commentary on judicial policy.
Awards
- Awarded as Leading Independent Lawyer of the Year – 2024 by Lex Falcon Global Awards.
- Awarded with Legal Excellence Award – 2026 by BRICS Culture Media Forum, India.
Practice Areas
Practice Areas
- White-collar crime & economic offences — PMLA proceedings, Enforcement Directorate attachment/seizure disputes, bank fraud-linked matters
- Constitutional & writ practice before the Supreme Court — SIT directions, quashing petitions, appeals against High Court orders
- Media & press-related litigation — representation in disputes concerning takedown and de-indexing orders
- High-profile civil and criminal representation
- Commentary and thought leadership on judicial policy and reform
Notable Matters
Sterling Biotech / Sandesara Group — PMLA and Related Proceedings
Advocate Shah has been engaged in the long-running Sandesara Group / Sterling Biotech matter, one of India’s largest alleged bank fraud cases. Representing the Sandesara side, he appeared before the Delhi court in the appeal filed by Moneylife against a trial court order restricting further takedown requests relating to Sterling Biotech reportage, alongside co-counsel Saurabh Rajput and Anunaya Mehta. This followed the earlier resolution of the core matter, where the Supreme Court ordered the quashing of all probes after a Rs. 5,100 crore settlement deposit, and the Delhi PMLA Court directed the Enforcement Directorate to undo related seizures and coercive measures.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Society Land Case
Advocate Shah appeared for the petitioner before the Supreme Court in proceedings concerning the alleged illegal sale and transfer of lands belonging to the Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation of India, a society founded under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a Special Investigation Team to examine the alleged transfers, setting aside a High Court order that had stayed the filing of a chargesheet.
Sanjay Dutt
Advocate Shah has been identified in national media as advocate to actor Sanjay Dutt, with coverage of the representation carried by both ANI and the Press Trust of India.
Commentary on Judicial Policy
Advocate Shah has been quoted as a Supreme Court lawyer on questions of judicial reform, including the Union Cabinet’s decision to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges. He has cautioned that expanding the bench alone will not resolve pendency, noting that a wave of judicial retirements expected in 2026 could offset the benefit, and has called for reduced unnecessary litigation alongside structural reform.
Recognitions & Awards
Legal Excellence Award 2026 — BRICS International Investment Forum
Advocate Shah was conferred the Legal Excellence Award 2026 at the BRICS Culture Media Forum’s International Investment Forum (BIIF 2026) in New Delhi, held under the theme “Strategic Dialogue: Bridging East and West for Peace, Policy & Prosperity.” The forum brought together policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, and cultural figures, concluding with a call for a balanced global framework guided by ethical responsibility across technology, economy, and culture.
Lex-Falcon Global Award, Dubai (2024)
Advocate Shah received international recognition through the Lex-Falcon Global Awards, presented in Dubai, UAE, by the LexTalk World Conference. The award recognises excellence and innovation across the legal industry, honouring individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to legal research, advocacy, and legal practice.