- Dayan Krishnan is a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, known for his work in criminal law.
- He graduated from NLSIU Bangalore in 1993 and was designated a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2014.
- He has handled high-profile cases, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case.
- As of April 2025, he is leading the NIA’s prosecution against Tahawwur Rana, related to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Early Life and Education
Dayan Krishnan, born into a family with a legal background his father was a lawyer in Ooty pursued his legal education at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore. He graduated in 1993 as part of the first batch, setting the stage for a distinguished career.
Career Highlights
Krishnan began his career under Senior Advocate Santosh Hegde, working with him for six years before establishing his own practice in 1999. He was mentored by notable figures like Gopal Subramanium and Rajeev Dhavan. His designation as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2014 marked a significant milestone, making him the second NLSIU Bangalore alumnus to receive this honor.
Notable Cases
Krishnan has been involved in several landmark cases, such as the 2001 Parliament attack, the Kaveri River water dispute, and the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape case, where he served as special public prosecutor. His expertise in extradition law is evident in his role in securing Tahawwur Rana’s extradition from the US, leading the NIA’s prosecution as of April 2025.
Comprehensive Biography of Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan
Dayan Krishnan stands as one of India’s most esteemed criminal lawyers and a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, currently making headlines for his role in leading the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) prosecution against Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Extradited to India on April 10, 2025, Rana’s case underscores Krishnan’s expertise in international extradition and criminal law, cementing his reputation as a legal titan. This detailed biography explores his journey from his early years to his recent high-profile engagements, offering a comprehensive look at his contributions to India’s legal landscape.
Early Life and Family Background
Dayan Krishnan was born into a family with deep legal roots; his father was a practicing lawyer in Ooty, which likely influenced his career path. Growing up in such an environment, Krishnan was exposed to the intricacies of law from a young age, setting the stage for his future endeavors. While specific details about his childhood are scarce, his family’s legal background provided a natural inclination toward the profession.
Education and Academic Foundation
Krishnan pursued his legal education at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, graduating in 1993 as part of the inaugural batch. NLSIU, India’s first national law school, is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and has produced many prominent legal professionals. Krishnan’s graduation in the first batch highlights his early entry into a transformative era for legal education in India, providing him with a strong foundation in law and shaping his legal thinking.
Career Beginnings and Mentorship
After graduating, Krishnan began his legal career under the mentorship of Senior Advocate Santosh Hegde, who later became a judge at the Supreme Court of India. He worked with Hegde for six years, gaining invaluable experience in handling complex legal matters. This period was crucial for Krishnan, as it allowed him to develop his skills under the guidance of a seasoned legal mind. In 1999, when Hegde was elevated to the Supreme Court, Krishnan set up his own practice, marking the beginning of his independent legal journey.
Throughout his early career, Krishnan was supported by other prominent legal figures, including Gopal Subramanium, Rajeev Dhavan, and Joseph Vellapally, all of whom played crucial roles in shaping his legal acumen. These mentors provided not only technical guidance but also insights into the ethical and strategic aspects of legal practice, which proved instrumental in his later success.
Rise to Prominence: Notable Cases and Achievements
Krishnan’s career is marked by his involvement in several high-profile cases that have had significant impacts on India’s legal landscape. His expertise in criminal law and extradition has made him a go-to lawyer for government bodies and high-stakes litigation. Below is a table summarizing some of his most notable cases:
| Case | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 Parliament Attack | Assisted in criminal proceedings | Handled important criminal cases related to the terrorist attack. |
| Kaveri River Water Dispute | Counsel for Kavery Kerala petition | Involved in interstate water rights, a complex legal and political issue. |
| December 2012 Delhi Gang-Rape Case | Special Public Prosecutor | Played a pivotal role in securing justice for the victim, a landmark case. |
| Telecommunication Cases | Represented clients in civil disputes | Specialized in telecom-related cases, handling disputes with major companies. |
| Ravi Shankaran Extradition (2011) | Represented Government of India | Successfully secured extradition from the UK, showcasing extradition expertise. |
| Tahawwur Rana Extradition (2025) | Led legal team for NIA | Secured extradition from the US, leading prosecution as of April 2025. |
His work on the 2001 Parliament attack case involved assisting in criminal proceedings, highlighting his early involvement in national security matters. The Kaveri River water dispute, where he served as counsel for the Kavery Kerala petition, demonstrated his ability to navigate complex interstate legal issues. Perhaps most notably, his role as special public prosecutor in the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape case brought him into the national spotlight, as he played a pivotal role in securing justice for the victim, a case that galvanized public and legal discourse on women’s safety.
Krishnan’s expertise in extradition law is particularly evident in his recent work. He represented the Government of India in the extradition of Ravi Shankaran from the UK in 2011, showcasing his ability to handle international legal proceedings. His involvement in the 26/11 case dates back to his interrogation of David Coleman Headley in Chicago, further solidifying his credentials in terrorism-related litigation.
Designation as Senior Advocate
In 2014, Dayan Krishnan was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court, a prestigious recognition of his legal prowess and contributions to the field. This designation, which came alongside Amit Sibal and Anup Bhambhani, marked him as the second alumnus from NLSIU Bangalore to receive this honor, following Akshay Bhan. The designation underscored the Delhi High Court’s recognition of hard work, as Krishnan himself has emphasized, crediting luck and coincidence but stressing the importance of diligence.
Recent Developments: Prosecution of Tahawwur Rana
As of April 2025, Krishnan’s legal career has reached a new milestone with his appointment to lead the NIA’s prosecution team against Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman accused of being a key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana was extradited to India on April 10, 2025, after years of legal proceedings in the US, where Krishnan and his team successfully argued for his extradition. This case, highlights Krishnan’s deep understanding of the 26/11 case and his expertise in international extradition law.
Krishnan’s role in this prosecution is supported by a team of seasoned lawyers, including advocates Sanjeevi Sheshadri, Sridhar Kale, and NIA counsel, with Narender Mann serving as special public prosecutor. His involvement in the case since 2010, including interrogating David Headley in Chicago, positions him uniquely to lead this high-profile litigation.
Legal Philosophy and Approach
Known for his hard work, honesty, and dedication, Krishnan embodies the principle that “the harder I work, the luckier I get,” a quote he attributes to Colin Croft. In interviews, such as one featured , he has shared that luck and coincidence have played roles in his career, but he underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and maintaining high standards. His approach to law is both pragmatic and principled, reflecting his commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Contributions to the Legal Community and Mentorship
Krishnan has also been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of lawyers. He currently has four juniors from various law schools, with his first junior, Gautam Narayan, being a sought-after advocate at the Supreme Court. His mentorship extends to his alma mater, NLSIU, where he hopes more alumni will achieve the designation of Senior Advocate. He has highlighted several talented peers, including Sanjay Ghose (labor law), Siddharth Aggarwal (criminal law), Jayant Mehta (Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court), Nikhil Nayyar (Punjab and Haryana additional solicitor general), Trideep Pais (trial law), and Rajshekar Rao (Delhi standing counsel).
Personal Insights and Future Outlook
In interviews, Krishnan has emphasized taking his career day by day, with no specific long-term plans but a focus on maintaining the standards set by his designation as a Senior Advocate. His journey from a fresh graduate of NLSIU to a leading figure in India’s legal system is a testament to his dedication, legal acumen, and the support of his mentors. His recent role in the Tahawwur Rana case, underscores his ongoing significance in handling critical legal battles.
Conclusion
Dayan Krishnan’s career, marked by high-profile cases and a commitment to justice, continues to inspire aspiring lawyers and solidify his reputation as one of India’s top criminal lawyers. His recent role in the prosecution of Tahawwur Rana, as of April 11, 2025, highlights his enduring impact on India’s legal landscape, ensuring his legacy as a defender of justice and a mentor to future legal professionals.