AQUILAW

DISPUTE RESOLUTION WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES CRIMINAL LITIGATION AND INVESTIGATIONS

Soumen Mohanty is a Partner at AQUILAW, (Kolkata and Bhubaneswar)

Soumen Mohanty is a legal practitioner with over 12 years of wide experience across civil, criminal, arbitration, and company law matters. His principal area of practice lies in criminal law, with a particular focus on white-collar crime and related regulatory issues. He has advised numerous multinational corporations, government authorities, and individuals holding public office on complex and sensitive legal matters. Over the course of his practice, he has appeared before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, Trial Courts, Tribunals, and other judicial as well as quasi-judicial authorities. Prior to joining AQUILAW, he practiced independently, representing clients in a broad range of contentious and advisory matters. He holds a B.A., LL.B. degree from National Law University, Odisha and is enrolled as a member of the Bar Council of Odisha. His areas of expertise include inter alia anti-corruption laws, proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), corporate criminal investigations, constitutional writs, regulatory matters, financial and cyber-crimes, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), and family law.

WORK EXPERIENCE

GENERAL CRIMINAL LAWS (BNS/BNSS/BSA CORRESPONDING TO IPC/CRPC/IEA)

Represents clients in criminal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). Regularly handles bail, quashing, discharge, trial, and appellate matters, and appears before Trial Courts, High Courts, and the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS (PC ACT, 1988)

Advises and represents public servants, corporations, and individuals in proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 including cases involving bribery, disproportionate assets, and criminal misconduct. Assists in vigilance proceedings, sanction-related issues, and related constitutional challenges.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LAWS (PMLA, 2002)

Represents clients in proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, before the Enforcement Directorate, Adjudicating Authority, and Appellate Tribunal. Handles matters relating to attachment of properties, bail under Section 45, and prosecution arising from scheduled offences.

CYBER LAWS (IT ACT, 2000)

Advises and appears in matters under the Information Technology Act, 2000, including cyber fraud, data breaches, intermediary liability, and electronic evidence issues. Provides strategic advice on digital investigations and compliance.

FAMILY LAWS (DV ACT, 2005/HINDU MARRIAGE ACT, 1955/SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT, 1954)

Represents clients in matrimonial and domestic disputes including divorce, maintenance, custody, and related proceedings.

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC OFFENCES

Handles matters involving fraud, cheating, criminal breach of trust, and corporate misconduct. Advises and represents clients in investigations and prosecutions initiated by enforcement and regulatory authorities.

POLICY – DRAFTING TEAM MEMBER, APARAJITA BILL, 2024

Was a member of the drafting team for the Aparajita Bill, 2024, introduced in West Bengal, contributing to legislative reforms strengthening the legal framework concerning offences against women.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Bar Council of Odisha

International Bar Association

CHAMBER AFFILIATIONS

The Confederation of Indian Industry

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Indian Chamber of Commerce

The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India

B.A.LL.B