A series of binary complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Ru(II) with (R)-N-(phenyl)ethyl-2-hydroxy-1- salicylaldimine (L or NPEHS) have been synthesised. The Ligand (NPEHS) is co-ordinated to the metal ion with the N, O donor atoms in 1:2 (metal : ligand) ratio and it is determined by spectrophotometric studies. The resulting metal complexes of NPEHS were characterised by the FT-IR, UV-Vis, TGA, elemental analysis, conductivity measurements and ESR spectral studies. Conductometric measurements confirm all the metal complexes were nonelectrolytic in DMSO. Based on spectral and analytical data octahedral geometry is assigned to the complexes with two coordinated water molecules. The stoichiometry of the resulting complexes have been found to be [M(L)2(H2O)2], here M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Ru(II). The in-vitro antimicrobial studies performed through the Disc Diffusion Method revealed that the complexes have shown better antimicrobial activity than free ligand. DNA cleavage of metal complexes are also confirmed through the gel electrophoresis technique. It is found that these complexes effectively cleave the DNA.