A series of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of Schiff base ligands L¹H₃ and L²H have been prepared. The ligands are synthesized by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-3-formylquinoline with salicyloylhydrazide and 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole in absolute ethanol. The prepared complexes were characterized by the analytical and spectral techniques. The stoichiometry of the complexes is found to be 1:1. The presence of coordinated and lattice water is confirmed by the TG and DTA studies. Subsequently all the prepared complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi. The Cu(II) complexes have been found to be more active than the ligand. In addition the DNA binding/cleaving capacity of the compounds was analyzed by absorption spectroscopy, viscosity measurement, thermal denaturation, and gel electrophoresis methods.