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{{Short description|Indian supreme court advocate}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Aman Lekhi
| image =
| caption = Aman Lekhi at his office in New Delhi
| alma_mater = St Xavier's School, Delhi.
First division in graduation from Hindu College
First division in LLB from Campus Law Centre (Faculty of Law)
| website = http://amanlekhiblog.com
| occupation = Lawyer
| spouse = [[Meenakshi Lekhi]]
}}

'''Aman Lekhi''' is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India<ref>{{cite web| url = http://delhihighcourt.nic.in/%5Cwritereaddata%5Cupload%5C%5CPublicNotices%5CPublicNotice_8IBJIGDV.PDF| title = Reference at delhihighcourt.nic.in}}</ref> and is the former [[Additional Solicitor General of India]] in the Apex Court.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://barandbench.com/lekhi-banerjee-sethi-asg/|title = Aman Lekhi, Vikramjit Banerjee, Sandeep Sethi appointed ASG; Four ASGs get extension| date=28 February 2018 }}</ref> He is named in the list of Top 100 Legal Luminaries of India by LexisNexis in May 2016.

He practices in the [[Indian Supreme Court|Supreme Court of India]]. He also appears regularly in various courts and Tribunals<ref>{{cite web|url=http://telecomtalk.info/supreme-court-telecom-disputes-settlement/136426/|title=Supreme Court Refuse To Stay Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal|author=Bhupendra Sharma|work=Telecom Talk}}</ref> and is also actively involved in several arbitrations.

== Personal life ==
Aman Lekhi is the son of renowned Supreme Court lawyer [[Pran Nath Lekhi]]. He did his schooling from [[St. Xavier's School, Delhi]] and thereafter he graduated with distinction in Political Science (Honours) from [[Hindu College, University of Delhi]] and received a Degree in law with first division from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi.
He is married to lawyer and BJP Member of Parliament from New Delhi Constituency, [[Meenakshi Lekhi]].<ref>[[Meenakshi Lekhi]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=April 2018}}

== Notable cases ==
The senior advocate's practice covers several legal disciplines. Apart from appearing in the [[Indian coal allocation scam]] case,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-09-02/news/66144037_1_h-c-gupta-ex-coal-secretary-coal-scam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910235649/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-09-02/news/66144037_1_h-c-gupta-ex-coal-secretary-coal-scam|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2015|title=Sanction required to prosecute me in coal scam: H C Gupta, Ex-coal Secretary|work=timesofindia-economictimes}}</ref> [[2G spectrum case]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/current-affairs/cbi-dreams-3-reliance-officials-may-turn-approvers-lawyer_592737.html|title=CBI dreams 3 Reliance officials may turn approvers: Lawyer|work=moneycontrol.com|date=30 September 2011 }}</ref> and [[Concerns and controversies over the 2010 Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam case]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/cwg-scam-bhanot-verma-sent-to-cbi-custody-for-five-days-second-lead_100506834.html|title=CWG scam: Bhanot, Verma sent to CBI custody for five days|work=Thaindian News}}</ref> he appeared for [[Ashis Nandy]] in a case that involved controversy regarding the latter’s alleged anti-Dalit remarks at the [[Jaipur Literature Festival]], 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-nandy-moves-sc-plea-to-be-heard-tomorrow-for-quashing-fir-1794765|title=Nandy moves SC, plea to be heard tomorrow for quashing FIR - Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=31 January 2013|publisher=}}</ref>
He has argued the case under [[Right to Information Act, 2005]] against [[Union Public Service Commission]] of India with regard to Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2006 subsequent to which UPSC had to change the pattern of examination itself.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cic.gov.in/SC-Rulings/UPSC-Vs-ShivShambuAndOrs.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304132912/http://www.cic.gov.in/SC-Rulings/UPSC-Vs-ShivShambuAndOrs.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status = dead|df=dmy-all }}</ref>
As a lawyer, he has argued several matters relating to telecom sector involving the [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tdsat.nic.in/28.04.2015/Appeal%20No.1(c)%20of%202014.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208145723/http://www.tdsat.nic.in/28.04.2015/Appeal%20No.1(c)%20of%202014.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> wherein also, he has achieved notable success. He was the lawyer for Farida Dar "Behenji" in Lajpat Nagar Blast Case<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiankanoon.org/doc/749213/|title=Smt. Farida Dar vs State on 28 March, 2000|work=indiankanoon.org}}</ref> and for Nazir Ahmed Qasid and Farooq Ahmed Qasid<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://delhicourts.nic.in/Sep07/State%20Vs.%20Mohd.%20Arif.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042046/http://delhicourts.nic.in/Sep07/State%20Vs.%20Mohd.%20Arif.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in the case concerning the [[2000 terrorist attack on Red Fort]].

Aman also appears for Zee network in the cases involving Naveen Jindal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiankanoon.org/doc/18451876/|title=Naveen Jindal & Anr. vs Zee Media Corporation Ltd. & Ors. on 1 April, 2014|work=indiankanoon.org}}</ref>

He also appeared for Nirmaljeet Singh Narula (Nirmal Baba).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://delhicourts.nic.in/MAY12/Nirmaljit%20Singh%20Nirula%20Vs.%20Star%20India%20Pvt.%20Ltd..pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=1 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044213/http://delhicourts.nic.in/MAY12/Nirmaljit%20Singh%20Nirula%20Vs.%20Star%20India%20Pvt.%20Ltd..pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was also the lawyer in Shanti Mukund case<ref>{{cite web| url = http://delhicourts.nic.in/Dec07/Shanti%20%20Mukand%20Hospital%20Vs.%20Rinchu.pdf| title = Reference at delhicourts.nic.in}}</ref> and also the case settling the law of medical negligence dealing with the duties and ethics of medical profession.<ref>{{cite journal | pmc = 2779963 | pmid=19881134 | doi=10.4103/0970-1591.56206 | volume=25 | title=Medical negligence: Coverage of the profession, duties, ethics, case law, and enlightened defense - A legal perspective | year=2009 | journal=Indian J Urol | pages=372–8 | last1 = Pandit | first1 = MS | last2 = Pandit | first2 = S| issue=3 | doi-access=free }}</ref>

He has also appeared in the case concerning recommendations by Justice Majithia with regard to working journalists and non-journalists newspaper and news agency employees and the challenge to Working Journalists Act of 1955.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://supremecourtofindia.nic.in/outtoday/wc24611.pdf| title = Supreme Court of India}}</ref>
Aman Lekhi is also the lawyer for AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran. He appeared for Dhinakaran in the petition for bail which was allowed by the Special Court on 29 May 2017.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/aiadmk-election-symbol-case-ttv-dhinakaran-seeks-bail-police-opposes-it-1705399 | title=AIADMK Election Symbol Case: TTV Dhinakaran Seeks Bail, Police Opposes It | date=29 May 2017 | author=Press Trust of India | publisher=NDTV | access-date=27 June 2018 }}</ref>

He also appeared for Colonel Dinesh Pathania<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/macchil-encounter-life-sentence-of-5-army-men-suspended/articleshow/59795490.cms|title=Macchil encounter: Life sentence of 5 army men suspended|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> in Machil Encounter, known as Machil killings, which, in 2010, had triggered a cycle of violence in Kashmir. Intelligence agencies had claimed the violence was part of Pakistani covert operations. Lekhi successfully argued before the Armed Forces Tribunal for release of the army personnel on bail after they had been court-martialled in the only proceeding instituted by the army against its own personnel.

On 26 September 2017, he appeared on behalf of former [[Tehelka]] Chief [[Tarun Tejpal]] in front of the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court. He was successful in obtaining relief for his client with the Court directing a stay on the trial.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/goa-hc-stays-trial-in-tarun-tejpal-rape-case-refuses-to-stop-framing-of-charges-2551081.html|title=Goa HC stays trial in Tarun Tejpal rape case, refuses to stop framing of charges|date=26 September 2017}}</ref>

== Additional Solicitor General of India (2018-present) ==
Aman Lekhi was appointed as an [[Additional Solicitor General of India]] in the Supreme Court in February 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/lekhi-banerjee-sethi-asg|title=Aman Lekhi, Vikramjit Banerjee, Sandeep Sethi appointed ASG; Four ASGs get extension|date=28 February 2018 }}</ref> Since his appointment, his arguments have aided the Supreme Court in clarifying the law concerning the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/it-is-the-quantity-not-purity-of-narcotic-drugs-that-will-decide-punishment-sc/articleshow/75300096.cms|title = It is the quantity not purity of narcotic drugs that will decide punishment: SC | India News - Times of India| website=[[The Times of India]] | date=22 April 2020 }}</ref> The Supreme Court accepted his arguments that in determining the punishment under the legislation, the deciding factor would be the quantity and not the purity of the narcotic drug.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2014/6909/6909_2014_31_1505_21810_Judgement_22-Apr-2020.pdf| title = Reference at main.sci.gov.in}}</ref> Additionally, his arguments were also accepted by the Supreme Court to expand the scope of the [[Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988]] for it to apply to deemed universities, which is seen as a departure from the [[plain meaning rule]] of interpreting criminal law.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/are-deemed-universities-covered-under-the-scope-of-the-prevention-of-corruption-act-supreme-court-answers| title = Are Deemed Universities covered under the scope of the Prevention of Corruption Act? Supreme Court answers| date = 28 April 2020}}</ref> Lekhi also appeared for the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] before the Supreme Court on their plea to investigate the sacrilege cases in Punjab.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://theprint.in/india/probe-on-sacrilege-cases-to-stay-with-punjab-govt-as-sc-junks-cbi-plea-against-the-state/368656/| title = Probe on sacrilege cases to stay with Punjab govt as SC junks CBI plea against the state| website = [[ThePrint]]| date = 20 February 2020}}</ref> Lekhi represented the Central Bureau of Investigation to oppose the bail granted to [[Upendra Rai]].<ref>{{cite news| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-dismisses-upendra-rais-petition-against-ed-official/articleshow/65586007.cms| title = Supreme Court dismisses Upendra Rai's petition against ED official {{!}} India News - Times of India| website = [[The Times of India]]| date = 29 August 2018}}</ref> He is also currently assisting the Supreme Court in a Public Interest Litigation concerning the reforms of prisons in India.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/is-parallel-system-running-in-jails-sc-frowns-over-special-treatment-to-chandra-brothers/1426174| title = 'Is parallel system running in jails': SC frowns over special treatment to Chandra brothers}}</ref>

As Additional Solicitor General, Lekhi has appeared before the [[Armed Forces Tribunal]] to defend the challenge to the appointment of the [[Chief of Naval Staff (India)]], filed by Vice-Admiral [[Bimal Verma]].<ref>{{cite news| url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/military-tribunal-allows-karambir-singh-to-take-charge-as-new-navy-chief-on-friday/articleshow/69556548.cms| title = Indian Navy: Military tribunal allows Karambir Singh to take charge as new Navy Chief - The Economic Times| newspaper = The Economic Times| last1 = Gurung| first1 = Shaurya Karanbir}}</ref> The Armed Forces Tribunal dismissed the plea while agreeing that the Government of India was justified in superseding Verma.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/armed-forces-tribunal-dismisses-bimal-vermas-plea-challenging-appointment-of-navy-chief/articleshow/71155623.cms?from=mdr| title = Karambir Singh: Armed Forces Tribunal dismisses Bimal Verma's plea challenging appointment of navy chief| newspaper = The Economic Times| last1 = Gurung| first1 = Shaurya Karanbir}}</ref> He has represented the [[Enforcement Directorate]] in the cases relating to the [[2013 Indian helicopter bribery scandal]], where he was successful in getting the dismissal of the anticipatory bail plea filed by [[Ratul Puri]] and the bail plea of Deepak Talwar.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/chopper-deal-delhi-hc-dismisses-anticipatory-bail-plea-of-ratul-puri/articleshow/70752114.cms| title = Chopper deal: Delhi HC dismisses anticipatory bail plea of Ratul Puri - The Economic Times| newspaper = The Economic Times| date = 20 August 2019}}</ref> Lekhi was also the Senior Advocate for the Maharashtra Police in the plea challenging the arrest of the journalist - [[Gautam Navlakha]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/aug/29/delhi-high-court-questions-maharashtra-police-on-activist-gautam-navlakhas-arrest-1864613.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180830113529/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/aug/29/delhi-high-court-questions-maharashtra-police-on-activist-gautam-navlakhas-arrest-1864613.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 30 August 2018| title = Delhi High Court questions Maharashtra police on activist Gautam Navlakha's arrest- The New Indian Express}}</ref> He has represented the Delhi Police in the case related to the assault of the Chief Secretary of Delhi<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2018/nov/22/hc-seeks-delhi-governments-anshu-prakashs-response-on-plea-by-sisodia-kejriwal-1901881.html| title = HC seeks Delhi government's, Anshu Prakash's response on plea by Sisodia, Kejriwal- The New Indian Express}}</ref> and represented the Special Investigation Team in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/1984-riots-case-hc-hearing-sees-heated-arguments-between-lawyers-on-representing-state-118121900865_1.html| title = 1984 riots case: HC hearing sees heated arguments between lawyers on representing state {{!}} Business Standard News| newspaper = Business Standard India| date = 19 December 2018| last1 = India| first1 = Press Trust of}}</ref> Lekhi was the counsel for the Government of Uttar Pradesh in the alleged "hate speech" case against Chief Minister [[Yogi Adityanath]], successfully arguing for the plea challenging the order of the Allahabad High Court dismissed.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.livelaw.in/sc-asks-magistrate-to-pass-reasoned-order-on-cognizance-of-hate-speech-complaint-against-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-read-order/| title = SC Asks Magistrate To Pass Reasoned Order On Cognizance of Hate Speech Complaint Against UP CM Yogi Adityanath [Read Order]| date = 11 September 2018}}</ref> He represented the administration of the [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]] when the students blocked access into the varsity's administrative building.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/fir-lodged-against-students-blocking-admin-block-jnu-to-delhi-high-court-1661614| title = FIR Lodged Against Students Blocking Admin Block: JNU To Delhi High Court}}</ref>

Lekhi represented the Lieutenant Governor of Pudducherry, [[Kiran Bedi]] in the appeal to the petition moved by a Congress MLA K Lakshminarayan challenging the communications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs vesting powers with the Lieutenant Governor.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/interference-puducherry-affairs-madras-hc-reserves-verdict-kiran-bedi-s-appeal-114081| title = Interference in Puducherry affairs: Madras HC reserves verdict on Kiran Bedi's appeal {{!}} The News Minute| date = 14 December 2019}}</ref> In a major success for the Central Government, the appeal was allowed clearing the Lieutenant Governor to administer the day-to-day functioning of the Union Territory.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/madras-high-court-clears-hurdle-for-puducherry-governor-kiran-bedi/articleshow/74571802.cms| title = Kiran Bedi: Madras high court clears hurdle for LG Kiran Bedi {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India| website = [[The Times of India]]| date = 11 March 2020}}</ref> He was engaged by the Department of Customs in the proceedings against the wife of [[All India Trinamool Congress]] Member of Parliament [[Abhishek Banerjee (politician)|Abhishek Banerjee]], Rujira Naroola for obstructing officers from checking her baggage at the Kolkata Airport.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/rujira-naroola-need-not-appear-customs-till-31-july-calcutta-hc-1502744258.html| title = Rujira Naroola need not appear before Customs till 31 July: Calcutta HC - The Statesman| website = [[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]| date = 9 April 2019}}</ref> Lekhi successfully defended the ordinance banning the sale and import of e-cigarettes in India before the [[Calcutta High Court]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-defends-e-cigarette-ban-with-attack-on-vaping-product-firm-juul-2110466| title = India Defends E-Cigarette Ban With Attack On Vaping Product Firm Juul}}</ref> The order was successful in ensuring that the impending entry of [[Juul]] in India was blocked.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://in.reuters.com/article/india-ecigarettes/india-defends-e-cigarette-ban-in-court-with-attack-on-juul-idINKBN1WG47I| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191002040239/https://in.reuters.com/article/india-ecigarettes/india-defends-e-cigarette-ban-in-court-with-attack-on-juul-idINKBN1WG47I| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2 October 2019| title = India defends e-cigarette ban in court with attack on Juul}}</ref>

In May 2020, Lekhi was appointed as special counsel to represent the Delhi Police in the [[2020 Delhi riots]] case.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/solicitor-general-two-others-appointed-as-spp-special-counsel-in-delhi-riots-case/article31715539.ece| title = Solicitor General, two others appointed as SPP/ special counsel in Delhi riots case - The Hindu| website = [[The Hindu]]| date = 31 May 2020}}</ref>

== Presence in media ==
He appears frequently in various national news channels<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jessica-lall-killer-manu-sharma-to-leave-jail-for-exams-720976|title=Jessica Lall Killer Manu Sharma to Leave Jail For Exams|date=26 December 2014|work=NDTV.com}}</ref> including [[CNBC TV18]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news-topic/aman-lekhi/|title=Aman Lekhi|work=moneycontrol.com}}</ref> and [[Bloomberg Television|Bloomberg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/3215/-desperation-to-punish-wrongdoers-leading-to-overkill-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208063651/http://www.btvin.com/videos/watch/3215/-desperation-to-punish-wrongdoers-leading-to-overkill-|url-status=usurped|archive-date=8 December 2015|title=BTvIn - "Desperation To Punish Wrongdoers Leading To Overkill"|work=Btvin}}</ref> Upon invitation, Aman is a regular contributor to the Opinion section on [[BloombergQuint]], writing on constitutional and commercial law issues.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.bloombergquint.com/opinion/2017/08/26/the-right-to-privacy-is-now-public-by-aman-lekhi| title = The Right To Privacy Is Now Public| date = 26 August 2017}}</ref>

He is invited to lecture on issues of legal and public importance whether it is the hanging of Afzal Guru<ref>{{cite web|url=http://barandbench.com/afzal-guru-controversy-conversation-senior-advocate-aman-lekhi/|title=The Afzal Guru controversy Conversation with Senior Advocate Aman Lekhi - Bar & Bench|first=Bar &|last=Bench|date=19 February 2013|publisher=}}</ref> or the control of Hindu temples<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-religious-figureheads-protest-govt-takeover-of-hindu-temples-1861245|title=Religious figureheads protest govt takeover of Hindu temples - Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=15 July 2013|publisher=}}</ref> or the question of philosophy or ideology like [[Mao Zedong|Mao]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/mao-is-just-a-name-ideology-a-mere-excuse-aman-lekhi-612303.html|title=Mao is just a name, ideology a mere excuse: Aman Lekhi|work=IBNLive}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lekhi, Aman}}
[[Category:Supreme Court of India lawyers]]
[[Category:Hindu College, Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Place of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian lawyers]]
[[Category:Faculty of Law, University of Delhi alumni]]

Aman Lekhi - Revision history

JillianCogburn at 08:55, 7 April 2026