Advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, popularly known as ML Sharma, was one of India’s most talked-about and controversial Supreme Court lawyers. Known for filing hundreds of Public Interest Litigations (PILs), he remained a prominent legal figure for over two decades. His petitions often stirred national debates, making him a familiar name in India’s legal and media landscape.
Early Life & Legal Career ML Sharma began his practice in the Supreme Court of India, gradually emerging as a lawyer who fearlessly filed petitions on sensitive issues. His legal approach was aggressive, and he positioned himself as a public crusader challenging government decisions and corruption allegations. Over the years, Sharma became recognized for: Frequent PIL filings Challenging high-profile government policies Representing clients in some of India’s most sensitive criminal cases
Famous PILs Filed by ML Sharma Sharma’s PILs often made headlines. Some of the most notable ones include: Coal Block Allocation (Coal Scam) Case He was one of the first petitioners to challenge the coal block allocations between 2004–2009. This case triggered major political controversy and judicial scrutiny. Rafale Deal Petition Sharma filed a PIL seeking a probe into the Rafale jet deal. Although the Supreme Court dismissed the plea, the petition generated massive national attention.
Pegasus Snooping Case He also approached the Supreme Court seeking an investigation into alleged Pegasus spyware surveillance. Demonetisation Challenge In 2016, Sharma filed a petition questioning the constitutional validity of the demonetisation move. These filings placed him prominently in headlines—even when the cases were dismissed Controversies ML Sharma was often considered one of the most controversial lawyers in India. Critics accused him of filing
frivolous PILs, and on multiple occasions, courts warned or fined him. Key controversies include: Repeated filing of weak or poorly drafted PILs Being fined by the Supreme Court for groundless petitions His role as a defense lawyer in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case, which drew heavy public criticism Sharp courtroom statements that frequently attracted media attention Despite controversies, Sharma continued filing petitions as he believed PILs were an important tool for public justice.
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Role in the Nirbhaya Case One of Sharma’s most widely discussed involvements was as the lawyer for one of the accused in the horrific Nirbhaya Delhi gang-rape case. His arguments and public statements sparked nationwide outrage, making him one of the most criticized figures in the case. Legacy of PIL Activism Though controversial, ML Sharma’s legacy in Indian legal history remains significant. He brought attention to: Government accountability Corporate-political connections Public policy decisions
Death & Recent News Advocate ML Sharma passed away on 19 December 2025 at the age of 69 due to kidney-related complications. His death was reported by major Indian media outlets and noted for marking the end of an era of aggressive PIL activism. ML Sharma was a complex figure a lawyer who sparked conversations, challenged powerful systems, and frequently stood at the center of national controversies. Whether admired for his boldness or criticized for his approach, he undeniably left a lasting mark on India’s legal and media ecosystem.
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