Overview

Abhishek Emmanuel Kisku currently serves as a Partner at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India and is part of the Dispute Resolution practice. He possesses expertise in mainly civil disputes including corporate and commercial disputes, insolvency & bankruptcy matters, and alternate dispute resolution.

His specialization includes arbitrations, special leave petitions and writ petitions, debt recovery proceedings through proceedings before the DRT, civil suits or ADRs, banking and financial matters including proceedings before the NCLT under IBC. Abhishek has also assisted clients in criminal matters, particularly white-collar crimes and cross-border enforcement of decrees and awards, assisting foreign corporations, including international banks, in enforcing foreign awards and decrees within the Indian legal system.

Throughout his career, Abhishek has appeared before various Courts and Arbitral Tribunals across India, including the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and several High Courts. He has also represented clients before National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT) in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Kolkata, Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRT) at Delhi and Jaipur, Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals (DRAT), among others.

Experience Statement

• Representing Kroll Group, which is a global financial and risk advisory firm, in a civil suit filed for recovery of monies based on damages under torts to the tune of USD 5 Billion, alleged to have caused destruction of large diamond business of the Plaintiff. The law involved is Indian Law along with the usage of international convention and treaties. The case is significant as this is one of the first and few cases in India which deals with the issue of breach under tort at this scale, which includes the tort of conspiracies against the client including authorities of the Government of India and will lay down jurisprudence on this subject.
• Represented Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) in litigation in Hyderabad against Hestia Holdings which is a wholly owned subsidiary of a company in Hyderabad. The said litigation was for the enforcement of a foreign decree obtained by MCB directing Hestia to repay the loan of USD 20 Million. The case is one of the few cases which deals with the enforceability of a foreign decree in India, involving issues such as what is a decree on merits, under what circumstances an ex-parte decree can be enforced etc. which has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India.
• Advised and assisted Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre Limited before the Sole Arbitrator Mr. Justice (Retd.) Madan Lokur, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India in an arbitration proceeding initiated against it for an alleged wrongful termination of several pharmacy agreements. In the same proceedings, he has also successfully argued client’s Counter Claim and achieved a favourable Award on the same.
• Advised and represented ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Ola Cabs) in a number of litigations pending adjudication across various jurisdictions in India in relation to disputes over the regulatory framework within which Ola cabs is to operate. Matters includes a Writ Petition before the High Court of Calcutta challenging ban orders against Ola issued by the Government of West Bengal as well as the applicability of the existing taxi licensing scheme to Taxi Aggregators such as Ola.

Overview

Abhishek has represented the Central Government in high value matters including sensitive white-collar crime, policy, treaty investment and enforcement matters over the last few years. He is well versed with the Civil, Commercial, Corporate as well as Criminal Laws of India. His main areas of practice are Arbitration (Domestic & International), Criminal Law, Commercial laws, Indirect Taxation, Foreign Trade Policy Matters, Constitutional law, Company Laws, Intellectual Property Laws, Corporate Law, Banking and Finance, Land & Property laws, Labor laws, Cyber laws & E-commerce, Consumer Laws & Anti-Competitive law to name a few. He has also successfully represented major international and national clients.

Experience Statement

• Advising and assisting India’s state-owned gas enterprise in a USD 4 Billion international energy arbitration arising on account of Russian Sanctions.
• Advising and representing a global technology public company in its disputes enumerating out of its investment in a tech start-up.
• Representing India’s largest hydropower development organization in its arbitral disputes arising out of its hydropower projects.
• Representing a market leading innovative gas solutions and technologies company in its dispute with an Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
• Represented and advised the Client before the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) tribunals as well as various allied litigations spread across the globe, including England, Mauritius, Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, Dubai, and India. He also handled two multi-million-dollar international arbitrations, seated in Geneva, administered by the LCIA, arising out of a dispute between a Private Equity (PE) Investor and majority shareholder/promoter (in the FMCG space).

Overview

Abhishek is a seasoned litigator who regularly appears before the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts across India, as well as arbitral tribunals (both ad-hoc domestic and institutional arbitrations). He advises and represents clients in commercial and criminal litigation, internet laws (with a focus on platform regulation and intermediary liability) and data privacy issues.

Abhishek also advises Indian and multinational corporations on corruption and wrongdoing, including conducting internal investigations.

Abhishek is a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, where he teaches a course on Platform Regulation and Intermediary Liability.

Experience Statement

• Successfully defended Google Pay in a writ proceeding alleging that the app violated regulatory and privacy norms under Indian law.
• Successfully defended a French government-owned renewable energy company in a multimillion-dollar proceeding instituted under the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules.
• Successfully defended one of the leading business and employment-focused social media platforms in one of India’s first writ petitions filed by a user whose account was permanently suspended for violating the terms of service. Advising the same client in multiple civil proceedings and data privacy issues.
• Advised the Indian subsidiary of one of the world’s leading manufacturing companies in an internal investigation relating to complaints of bribery, systemic corruption, and integrity violations by ‘C-suite’ executives.
• Successfully defended one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies in criminal proceedings initiated against it alleging fraudulent transfer of shares and embezzlement of funds.

Overview

Aditya has been a part of the dispute resolution practice of the firm for over eight years now and has been involved in advising and representing clients in various arbitrations and litigations across a variety of forums. He has experience in servicing pre-eminent start-ups and multinational corporations, particularly in the ride-hailing, social networking, automobile, infrastructure and the energy industry, amongst others, on substantive laws, regulatory compliances and different facets of dispute resolution, notably, domestic and international arbitrations under the widely accepted rules of arbitration and procedures.

Experience Statement

• Represented the erstwhile promoters of an Indian airline carrier in their dispute with the airline and its current chairman, arising out of a share sale and purchase agreement, in an ad-hoc domestic arbitration seated in India
• Represented a leading manufacturer of automobiles in a dispute with its dealers in a domestic arbitration seated in India before the Arbitration & Conciliation Centre (Domestic & International), Bengaluru.
• Represented a domestic ride-hailing start-up in constitutional challenges to the regulatory frameworks brought into effect by the State Governments under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 before various High Courts across India.
• Represented a public-sector undertaking in an international commercial arbitration under the LCIA Rules seated in London, England.

Overview

Aishwarya AnanthKumar has over a decade of experience in leading complex and high-stake litigation matters before the Karnataka High Court and various other courts and tribunals (Appellate and original) in the state of Karnataka including the NCLT, district courts and consumer fora, etc.

Over the past few years, she has been appointed as a standing counsel before the Karnataka High Court for various state governmental departments and bodies notably for Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board, Karnataka Slum Development Board, Bangalore Development Authority and Bangalore Waste Water and Sewerage Board.

She is also a trustee at the Bangalore International Arbitration Center (BIAC), where she oversees international collaborations.

Aishwarya began her career at Tier-1 law firms working with various prestigious firms, and has trained under notable legal professionals such as Justice Pratibha Singh, Senior Advocate Sajjan Poovayya and Mr. Murali Ananthasivan, a doyen of company law.

In 2018, she co-founded Nyaya Chetana, an NGO promoting legal awareness on women's rights and child sexual abuse. Nyaya Chetana creates educational content and conducts awareness sessions in various organizations.

She is also a jury member of the Namma Bengaluru Awards which is a unique initiative to recognize unsung heroes of Bengaluru. In the year 2021, Aishwarya was selected by the Government of Karnataka to be part of the 13-member expert committee to frame the Karnataka Youth Policy and was the only woman member to be part of this committee.

Experience Statement

• Court ordained restructuring of large private entities including a merger of a foreign subsidiary into its Indian parent company, demerger of a class of shareholders and creditors etc.  
• High stake and complex shareholder/investor disputes before the NCLT Bangalore bench, Mumbai bench and NCLAT.
• Domestic institutional as well as ad-hoc arbitrations before three-arbitrator panels of senior retired High Court judges.
• Writ petitions challenging various orders of the government being presently conducted before the High Court of Karnataka.
• Property litigations of a major oil company across the State of Karnataka.
• Property litigations of a major pharmaceutical company in Bangalore.

Overview

With a career spanning a decade, Anshul specializes in dispute resolution, with a focus on corporate and commercial disputes, insolvency & bankruptcy matters, arbitration, litigation, and ADR. Anshul's extensive experience encompasses a wide array of legal domains. He has represented clients in both domestic and international jurisdictions, earning a reputation for his strategic prowess and tenacity in complex legal matters.

Having appeared before 45+ Courts/Tribunals/Forums across India and abroad, Anshul has established himself as a formidable presence in the litigation arena. Notably, he frequents the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and various High Courts, including the High Court of Delhi, Bombay, Punjab & Haryana, Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan and others.

Anshul's client portfolio boasts leading multinational companies, banks, financial institutions, and non-banking financial companies, for whom he advocates before arbitral tribunals as well as judicial and quasi-judicial forums such as the National Company Law Tribunal, Debt Recovery Tribunal, and the National Green Tribunal. Anshul combines profound expertise with a relentless commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for his clients.

Experience Statement

• Resolution Professional of ‘Corporate Power Limited’: Successfully argued before the Supreme Court of India, establishing precedent on the applicability of the Limitation Act to the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, shaping the legal landscape for future cases in this domain.
• Committee of Creditors of Reliance Capital: Secured crucial ruling from the NCLAT regarding the powers of creditor committees in negotiations and resolution plan considerations, enhancing clarity and efficacy in insolvency proceedings.
• Kroll Inc., USA: Representing the global risk advisory firm in a cross-border dispute involving interpretation of international treaties and signatories being India and the US.
• Sustainable Projects Development Association: Successfully represented the Association of wind and solar power companies in a constitutional challenge to the electricity regulations concerning deviation before the Delhi High Court.
• Honda Cars India Limited: Representing the reputed car manufacturer in a constitutional challenge to motor vehicle taxation laws before the Rajasthan High Court.

Overview

Astha Nigam is a seasoned practitioner in the Dispute Resolution practice at the Firm, with over a decade of experience in corporate and commercial disputes, regulatory disputes, white collar crime disputes, and arbitration disputes. She specializes in litigation and dispute resolution across diverse sectors, including banking and finance, insolvency, regulatory affairs, infrastructure, administrative issues, and white-collar crimes.

Astha has represented a wide range of clients, both Indian and multinational, across various forums, such as the Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLAT, NCLT, DRAT, DRT, Electricity Commissions, APTEL, quasi-judicial tribunals, and domestic and international arbitration panels.

She has managed high-profile cases, including pioneering cases of mismanagement, and has successfully secured favorable outcomes in numerous commercial arbitration matters. Additionally, Astha has adeptly handled complex insolvency issues, achieving positive results for her clients. She has also achieved favorable rulings from APTEL and various Electricity Commissions on behalf of her clients.

She was recently interviewed by Super Lawyer, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation, effective communication, and strategic negotiation in their legal practice.

She has also authored an article on the revised criminal laws, including the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) which came into effect on July 1, 2024, restructuring offenses, introducing new definitions, increasing penalties and addressing issues such as sedition, organized crime and terrorism, published on Legal Era.

Experience Statement

• Representing various companies and Individuals before the Benami Tribunal, involving drafting of the petition, appearances and compliance of the provisions of the Prohibition of Benami Property Transaction Act, 1988.
• Representing JK Fenner (India) Limited before APTEL.
• Representing individuals against Delhi Public Gambling Act, 1955, the Public Gambling Act, 1867 and other relevant gambling and betting regulations and anti-gambling provisions under the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
• Representing India Power Corporation Limited, one of the leading power generation and distribution of power company, in an Arbitration pertaining to contractual disputes amounting to INR 4000 Crore.
• Represented M3M India against whom Insolvency was invoked under Section 7 and 9 of the Code and also represented in an Arbitration pertaining to contractual disputes amounting to INR 250 Crore.

Overview

Faisal Sherwani is a Partner in the dispute resolution practice at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India and is an Advocate-On-Record at the Supreme Court of India. 

With an experience of over a decade in the field of dispute resolution and dispute advisory services, he has a deep understanding of procedural and substantive issues of law and is regularly consulted on such issues. He regularly practices before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India as well as the Hon’ble High Courts at Delhi, Bombay, Karnataka, Telangana, Allahabad and Madras and also the NCLT and NCLAT. He has a host of reported Judgments to his credit.

Corporates have acknowledged that his true strength lies in his one-stop-shop ability to advise on complex and diverse disciplines of law. Also, that he provides solid, workable and business friendly solutions. As such, he advises and acts for clients on a range of subjects such as constitutional law aspects, government contracts and levies, arbitration laws, corporate, commercial and insolvency laws, transport and motor vehicles laws, technology and gaming laws, labour legislations, white-collar crimes and penal laws. Also, he is frequently engaged to advise in criminal investigations by clients.  He has considerable experience in both domestic and foreign seated arbitrations. He is currently handling a number of complex arbitrations.

Faisal is also a sought-after columnist and speaker. His work runs the gamut from law, history, and satire. His style is one which grapples with the realities and ideals of a modern India. He regularly engages on issues related to law, polity and other socio-economic subjects.

Overview

Gajanand Kirodiwal is a Partner Designate in the Dispute Resolution practice of the Firm. He has more than 10 years’ experience. He has been advising clients on legal issues concerning various practice areas including Insolvency & Bankruptcy, Arbitration, Debt Recovery, Commercial, Construction & Real Estate, Consumer, White Collar Crimes/ Financial Frauds etc.

He regularly appears before the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, besides National Company Law Tribunals and other Tribunals/ Forums/ Authorities/ Commissions in Civil and Criminal litigations.

He is also acting as a Counsel for a prominent real estate group based out of Noida.

He has been part of a pre-packaged insolvency resolution process of a leading real estate company under Section 54C of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 before the National Company Law Tribunal, New Delhi. In the said case, the admission order passed by the Tribunal was notably the first ever admission by the Principal Bench of the Tribunal, after introduction of the provisions for pre-packaged insolvency resolution under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

Previously, he has worked at the office of Advocate General for State of Arunachal Pradesh and has also assisted the Advocates-on-Record for the State before the Supreme Court of India.

He is also a regular faculty for specialized certificate courses on IBC & real estate offered by National Law University, Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, Institution of Valuers etc., besides being a speaker at various events.

Experience Statement

• Representing and advising the Resolution Professional in the insolvency resolution process of one of the largest hydel power projects in India having a consolidated debt of INR 11,000 Crores.

• Represented a leading ground handling services firm at the Indian Airports in its challenge to the revocation of security clearance by the government authorities.

• Advised Apollo Hospitals North Limited in its acquisition of a hospital asset in DLF Phase 1, Gurugram, Haryana admeasuring 5.6 acre of land for an approximate value of INR 400 Crores and also represented it before the Hon’ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh in a litigation involving the said acquisition.

• Advised a Gurugram based leading real estate developer in acquisition of a parcel of land admeasuring 73 acres in Noida, Gautam Budhh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh valued at approximately INR 900 Crores. Further, represented the client before the Arbitral Tribunal and the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in the proceedings concerning interim measures.

• Advised and represented an offshore fund in respect of its investment in real estate in India and various litigations and arbitration proceedings emanating owing to certain disputes.

Overview

Nakul Sachdeva joined Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India in July, 2018 as Partner Designate and was elevated to a Partner in November, 2019. Nakul has been extensively and actively involved in significant matters relating to the Arbitration Act as well as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and regularly appears before various NCLT’s, NCLAT and the Hon’ble Supreme Court.

He has ably advised and represented Resolution Professionals, Resolution Applicants as well as the CoC in numerous Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process. Given his diverse and rich litigation experience, spanning well over a decade and dealing with wide a multitude of laws, Mr. Sachdeva brings to the table his comprehensive set of skills and insightful appreciation of complex legal issues. The same are truly valued by the Clients and make him and the Firm a first choice for public sector undertakings and other public and private sector undertakings for pursuing litigation and obtaining opinions, particularly in the fields of arbitration, civil litigation and insolvency resolution.

Experience Statement

• Representing NHPC in a Section 34 (Arbitration) Petition against M/s BGS-SGS-SOMA JV before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, contesting an Arbitral Award of USD 100 Million.
• Assisted and advised NHPC in conducting a study of numerous ‘Arbitral Awards against NHPC’ and provided suggestion/recommendations as to how Arbitral Proceedings are to be conducted in an efficient, cost effective and timely manner.
• Assisted the Resolution Professional in all the litigation arising out of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of Binani Cements including representations before National Company Law Tribunal, Kolkata; the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi and the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
• Assisted the Committee of Creditors (i.e., the lenders) in all the litigation arising out of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of Ruchi Soya including representations before National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai; the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi and the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. 
• Assisted the Successful Resolution Applicant in all the litigation arising out of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of Star Agro Marine Exports Pvt. Ltd. including representations before National Company Law Tribunal, Chennai; the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi and the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. 

Overview

Pranshu Paul, is a Partner Designate in the Disputes practice and is based out of Delhi. He comes with a rich experience of navigating complex trials and has worked on several high stake litigation mandates, including several ‘bet-the-company’ disputes simultaneously spread across various jurisdictions and forums. Pranshu possesses a wide range of experience and expertise in civil and commercial disputes including arbitrations (both domestic and international), insolvency & bankruptcy matters, succession and inheritance related practice and legal advisory including contracts drafting and formation.

Pranshu through his career has appeared before various Courts, Arbitrations, and Tribunals across India and has both argued as well as assisted several distinguished senior counsels across India.

Some Notable Matters

• Representing Kroll Group (a global financial and risk advisory Firm), in a civil suit filed for recovery of monies based on damages under torts with a claim of over 5 Billion USD, based on the allegation of destruction of a large diamond business. The law involved is Indian Law along with the usage of international convention and treaties. The case is significant as this is one of the first and few cases in India which deals with the issue of breach under tort at this scale, which includes the tort of conspiracies against the client including authorities of the Government of India and will lay down jurisprudence on this subject.

• Representing Aditya Birla Finance Limited, in a complex and heavily contested recovery proceedings before the Calcutta High Court and other forums including the National Company Law Tribunal and Debts Recovery Tribunal. Due to the intervention of the firm, the client was able to secure a hard fought settlement for a majority of the claim, and is in pursuance of the remainder of the claims. The dispute resulted in several judgements including a widely reported judgement accepting the exception under Section 14 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 for unilateral appointment of an arbitrator.

• Successfully represented Monsanto Group in more than 10+ domestic arbitrations, having a financial implication of 500+ Million USD, being vital to the business in India. The arbitrations included extensive trial and evidence, leading to the entire claims being allowed in favour of the client. The arbitrations were of vital importance to the client to continue their current and future business in India.

• Advised Life Insurance Corporation on several aspects of law for the Initial Public Offering including providing opinions (including briefing several former judicial members for their opinions) having a direct implication of 2.7 Billion for the client and resulting in the filing of its successful IPO.

• Successfully represented the Resolution Professional in the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of Binani Cements across various forums and courts in India, leading to a rare and unique recovery of around 2 Billion USD for the lenders.

• Successfully represented Kroll Group in a proceeding before the High Court of Delhi involving the interpretation and implementation of ‘Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters’ being of vital importance to the client. This was a unique and uncommon proceedings filed in India, and which may have had a large impact on the client and its future business in India.

• Representing a large Construction company (Name withheld) in construction arbitrations for several projects across the country having a financial implication of around 50 Million USD.

Overview

Prithvi has worked on International and Domestic Arbitration(s) inter alia under the Singapore International Arbitration Center (SIAC) and International Court of Arbitration (ICC) rules where the valuation of disputes ranged from 10 to 150 Million USD.

He has briefed Senior Advocates, argued matter and drafted pleadings in relation to disputes before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Hon’ble Delhi High Court, Hon’ble Bombay High Court, NCLT and District Courts of Delhi.

He has advised and represented clients (international and domestic entities) on issues in relation to infrastructure and renewable energy projects, iron & steel industry, insurance, insolvency & debt recovery, company law, transfer of property, RERA and generic contractual disputes and has also drafted and argued consumer cases on behalf of the complainants.

Rajeev focuses primarily on commercial litigation, consumer litigation, arbitration, company law and regulatory issues. He has considerable experience in dealing with complex litigation matters and has been a recommended counsel for many multinational corporations doing business in India and abroad. Rajeev advises a broad spectrum of clients, working primarily with institutions, private equity funds, PSU’s, banks and multinational companies. He also acts for a number of Indian companies, particularly in the context of high profile commercial litigation and dispute resolution.

Some of the clients that Rajeev advises include Piaggio Auto, CCL Product India (Continental Coffee), Spicejet, Sai Lifesciences, Standard Chartered Bank, Syndicate Bank, IDBI, HPCL, Ashok Leyland, Aditya Birla Group, Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry, ITC Limited, Tata  Motors, Tata Motors Finance, Jubilant Foodworks, Grow Asia Pte Ltd, Mukand Ltd, Usha International Limited, Amara Raja Batteries, Centillion, IL&FS, Soma Constructions, Strides, Arvind Fashions, Cloudtail India, Sterling Holidays, Mahindra Holidays and Toyota Kirloskar Motor, etc.

Experience Statement

• Advising and appearing before the High Court of Telangana on behalf of a German infrastructure giant in a complex litigation matter involving grant of injunction against encashment of unconditional Bank Guarantees.
• Advised and represented a major public sector oil and gas company in arbitration proceedings before the Karnataka Arbitration Center at Bangalore.
• Advised a global technology giant in the setting up of glow sign boards for their outlets in Bangalore in compliance with BBMP norms. This transaction involved negotiations between the stakeholders of the Company and various BBMP personnel.
• Advised an UK based client having its 100% subsidiary company in India, in acquiring 100% stake in an existing company in India from the existing shareholders. The company is engaged in testing, assayers and other similar activities.
• Advised and represented a French optical products major in proceedings before the Regional Director, Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Overview

Ritu Bhalla is a Partner in the dispute resolution practice of the Firm. In her career spanning over 3 decades, she has gained extensive experience in corporate commercial disputes, arbitration matters and specialises in litigation and dispute resolution in areas such as banking & finance, insolvency, regulatory, infrastructure, administrative, white-collar, etc.

She has represented both Indian and multinational clients in various fora including Supreme Court, High Courts, NCLAT, NCLT, DRAT, DRT, quasi-judicial tribunals, domestic and international commercial arbitrations, and has also led teams in undertaking investigations and legal forensic assignments.

She has handled high stake matters and has represented clients in several commercial arbitration matters, successfully obtaining favourable awards for her clients. Ritu has also advised clients on critical litigation strategies.

Samarjit G. Pattnaik has been a distinguished practitioner in dispute resolution since 2002, with a broad expertise in managing a diverse range of legal matters. He specializes in commercial litigation, white-collar crime, arbitration, and various specialized statutes. With over two decades of experience, Mr. Pattnaik has been a key figure in the litigation landscape, handling high-profile and contentious cases across multiple jurisdictions, including before the Supreme Court of India, High Courts in various States, and specialized quasi-judicial Tribunals. He spent over 2 decades as a Partner at his previous stint, where he led the white-collar crime and commercial dispute resolution practices. His approach provides end-to-end client service, encompassing everything from strategic advice and case planning to representing clients and personally arguing cases in court, tailored to their specific needs.

For white-collar practice, he regularly advises clients on numerous strategies, while dealing with anti-corruption and white-collar issues and has been representing clients in matters pertaining to the Economic Offences Wing, Central Bureau of Investigation, Serious Fraud Investigation Office and Directorate of Enforcement. For over two decades now and with his team has successfully represented domestic as well as international clients.

Samarjit has extensively appeared in various Courts & Tribunals in India with regard to Criminal proceedings pertaining to frauds, misappropriation, breach of trust, money laundering, data theft, cyber-crimes, defamation, other economic offenses & Civil/Commercial Proceedings pertaining to MSME Act, Arbitration Act, CPC, Consumer Disputes, Intellectual Property etc. He has also conducted trials of complex criminal cases both as counsel for the complainant/assisting Prosecution and counsel for accused. Additionally, he has also handled cases under Prevention of Corruption Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, SEBI Act, IPC/BNS, Copyright Act etc Negotiable Instruments Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, IT Act, and has also conducted internal investigations for various clients.

Experience Statement

• Successfully obtained stay of proceedings initiated against India TV & its Chairman Mr. Rajat Sharma in a criminal defamation complaint filed by a Retd. District Judge.

• Successfully obtained bail for the Head of Operations of M/s GVK EMRI in a case related to the Prevention of Corruption Act being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

• Represented Mr. Suresh Nanda in the famous BMW hit and run case.

• Successfully represented Chairman and Directors of Price Water House Cooper in various litigations.

• Successfully represented the Chairman and Managing Director of Mankind Pharma Limited in the proceedings initiated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

• Successfully defended the Chairman and Board of Directors of M/s Piramal Enterprises Limited in proceedings arising out of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, Indian Penal Code etc.

• Successfully represented Yes Bank and its Board of Directors in the “Cobrapost” scam commonly known as Operation Red Spider.

• Successfully represented New York Police Department Officer and secured quashing of FIR registered against him, who was detained at IGI Airport, Delhi for possession of live bullets.
  • Received a ‘Letter of Appreciation’ from the New York Police Department.

Overview

Sanjay has been a Partner at Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India for a decade and a half now. Sanjay looks after the dispute resolution practice and has a vast experience of close to 30 years in advising and representing clients in civil and commercial disputes, criminal litigation, and cybercrime related litigation.

In recognition of Sanjay’s expertise, he was appointed by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), the organization under the Union Home Ministry, as a member of the Committee constituted to review the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Experience Statement

• Advised an Indian company operating in the television production & syndication industry in an International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) arbitration conducted in Singapore. The dispute related to the payment of the facilitation fee by the client to a Mauritian entity for acquiring the television broadcast rights of the Indian Premier League.
• Represented a French Government owned renewable energy company in a multimillion-dollar proceeding instituted under the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Rules.
• Advised a multinational corporation in the personal care products segment in arbitration proceedings initiated under the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) Rules.
• Advised one of the leading manufacturers of storage solutions in an ad hoc arbitration. The entire business model of the Company was questioned in these proceedings.  
• Advised and represented eBay. in (formerly known as Baazee.com) and its CEO in one of the first cases involving intermediary liability in India. The law on corporate criminal liability was settled in this case by the Supreme Court of India. He was also closely involved in the process which resulted in the subsequent amendment of the Information Technology Act whereby safe harbor provisions were added to protect the internet intermediaries.

Overview

Sanjeev has worked in many fields of law and his experience of over twenty-five years extends to virtually all aspects of litigation, dispute resolution and arbitration. Sanjeev has extensive experience in both domestic and international jurisdictions. He looks after the dispute resolution practice and possesses vast experience in corporate and commercial disputes, insolvency & bankruptcy matters, litigation and ADR.

Sanjeev specializes in civil law, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution, environmental law, labor law, criminal law, more particularly white-collar crimes, international crime syndicates, extradition and frauds and is also proficient in cross border enforcement of decrees and awards. He has extensively advised on debt recovery, banking and financial issues, commercial and corporate disputes and real estate in various Courts all over India as well as before Arbitral Tribunals and other Tribunals.

Experiment Statements

• Successfully defended global forensic auditor firm – Kroll and its Directors in a landmark criminal proceeding with far-reaching implications spanning the realms of insolvency law and criminal jurisprudence.
• Acted for Resolution Professional in the CIRP of Educomp Infrastructure Solutions and Marketing Limited and Corporate Power Ltd.
• Successfully represented Aditya Birla Finance in a precedent-setting case before the Calcutta High Court, affirming the validity of unilateral arbitrator appointments, thereby contributing to the evolution of arbitration jurisprudence.
• Represented Welspun Energy (UP) before the National Green Tribunal, ensuring adherence to environmental laws in the establishment of a 1320MW Thermal Power Plant, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development.
• Acted for Committee of Creditors of Reliance Naval & Engineering Ltd., and Reliance Capital before NCLT, NCLAT and Supreme Court.
• Appearing for key accused in the high-profile political criminal cases such as the Common-Wealth Games Scam and the 2G Telecom Scam (representing Swan Telecom).
• Acted for Mauritius Commercial Bank in one of the first matters at NCLT, Mumbai for CIRP based on a Corporate Guarantee. Also acting for the Bank seeking damages as well as criminal proceedings before the EOW, Mumbai.
• Successfully represented and advised Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Ltd., in several employment law matters.

Overview

Shikher has demonstrative career with experience of almost a decade at the Bar. He specializes in advising clients on a wide variety a legal issues. Shikher has enabled various companies to establish themselves, especially where there is a lack of proper regulatory regime. Shikher regularly appears before the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court (till date he has appeared before 8 High Courts), districts courts and various tribunals.

At the Firm, Shikher has advised and represented some of the most prominent corporates which include Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd., Renault Nissan Automotive India Ltd., ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Ola Cabs), Twitter Communications India Private Limited, M/s Fashnear Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Meesho), Rebel Foods Pvt. Ltd. (Foodpanda), In-shorts Group, Star India Pvt. Ltd., Dish TV India Ltd., etc.

Experience Statement

• Represented former promoter group comprising of KAL Airways and Mr. Kalanithi Maran against SpiceJet Limited and its promoter Mr. Ajay Singh (M/S KAL Airways Ltd. & Anr. v. Spicejet Limited & Ors.). KAL Airways and Mr. Kalanithi Maran initiated arbitration proceedings citing various breaches / non-compliances with the terms of the Share Sale & Purchase Agreement by SpiceJet and Mr. Ajay Singh.
• Representing Crystal Crop Care Protection Ltd. in a complex criminal prosecution launched by CBI, Gandhinagar and Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in relation to alleged fraudulent claim of Terminal Excise Duty running into crores of rupees. Recently, the Adjudicating Authority, PMLA, had passed an order confirming the provisional attachment order whereby ED had attached properties worth crores of rupees. Shikher has successfully obtained a stay on the order passed by the Adjudicating Authority, PMLA. The case is currently pending adjudication before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi.
• Represented Philips India Ltd. (Mr. Mehul Kamik of Philips India Ltd.) successfully in a pending Common-Wealth Games matter (CBI case) before the Special Judge, CBI. Shikher representing the accused on behalf of the Firm and was successfully able to seek discharged of the accused. This was the first occasion where a CBI Special Court had discharged an accused in the Common-Wealth Games scam, purely on merits.
• Advising Twitter India regularlyin relation to various compliances under the regime of the IT Act as well as the recently framed Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digit Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Apart from this, Shikher has also assisted the clients in strategizing and formulating responses to the notices (for e.g., Notice issued u/s 91 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, take-down notice issued by various law enforcement agencies, etc.) to the client.

Overview

Mr. Sidhartha Das is a Partner with Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India. He has an experience of over 16 years in dispute resolution and litigation practice. He has regularly advised various clients on complex legal issues concerning Insolvency laws, White Collar Crimes/ Financial Fraud, Corporate and Commercial laws, Constitutional/ Writ Petition, Debt Recovery, Construction and Real Estate, Consumer Protection, Arbitration etc.

Sidhartha regularly appears before the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court and other Courts, besides National Company Law Tribunals and other Tribunals/ Forums/ Authorities/ Commissions in Civil and Criminal litigations, at original and appellate levels. He has been representing many Clients of the Firm in Arbitration proceedings. He is also a part of matters involving advisory as well as legal strategy on domestic and international disputes.

Sidhartha is a part of the Firm’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice. He has recently been involved in the pre-packaged insolvency matter of a leading real estate company under Section 54C of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 before the National Company Law Tribunal, New Delhi. The National Company Law Tribunal, New Delhi admitted the Application and the same is the first admission order passed by the Tribunal, after introduction of the provisions for pre-packaged insolvency resolution.

Sidhartha has been involved in several matters concerning public causes. In one such matter, the High Court of Delhi directed the Government to make mandatory Rules to provide protective headgear with purchase of two wheelers. (CWP 7769/2009). He was also involved in the matter for implementation of Master Plan Delhi 2021 to decongest the traffic of Delhi. (CWP 11159/2015).

Overview

Venancio D’Costa is a Litigation Partner in Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India. He specializes in civil and criminal litigation, insolvency matter under IBC, recovery of debts and related matters, arbitration, property disputes, labour and employment related disputes, matrimonial disputes, media related litigation etc. He has a strong expertise in evidence and cross examination.

Mr. D’Costa has extensively advised both domestic and international clients on various nuances of law. He regularly appears as lead counsel before various Courts and Tribunals in India.

Experience Statement

• Representing banks and financial institutions such as SBI, Hero FinCorp Ltd., PNB Housing Finance to name a few in initiating insolvency against its various Debtors and their Personal Guarantors.

• Represented Hero in another SLP filed by one of its Corporate Debtor against the action taken by Hero First under Arbitration Act and thereafter against the IBC. The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its judgment dated 03.10.2017, held that a reading of Section 14 along with Section 238 of IBC clearly stipulates that there is no bar in invoking the provisions of Arbitration Act, and dismissed the SLP preferred by the Corporate Debtor.

• Advising and representing IDBI Bank, a leading national bank, which is a financial creditor of Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, in proceedings presently before the Hon’ble NCLAT. IDBI Bank has challenged provisions of the Resolution Plan of SREI Multiple Asset Infrastructure Trust - Vision India Funds which was approved by the committee of creditors for the Corporate Debtor.

• Advised ArcelorMittal, in its court mandated repayment of the entire outstanding debt of Uttam Galva Steels Limited, one of the largest manufacturers of cold rolled steel and galvanized steel in India.

• Advised JSW Infrastructure as a prospective bidder for Dighi Ports Limited, a greenfield port being developed as a multipurpose, multi cargo, all weather port with deep draught, direct berthing facilities and cargo handling equipment, within outstanding debt in excess of USD 440 Million. The Firm advised in review of the various facilities established by the company and legal ownership and title risk related issues attached to the Company.

Overview

Venancio D’Costa is a Litigation Partner in Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India. He specializes in civil and criminal litigation, insolvency matter under IBC, recovery of debts and related matters, arbitration, property disputes, labour and employment related disputes, matrimonial disputes, media related litigation etc. He has a strong expertise in evidence and cross examination.

Mr. D’Costa has extensively advised both domestic and international clients on various nuances of law. He regularly appears as lead counsel before various Courts and Tribunals in India.

Experiment Statement

• Representing banks and financial institutions such as SBI, Hero FinCorp Ltd., PNB Housing Finance to name a few in initiating insolvency against its various Debtors and their Personal Guarantors.
• Represented Hero in another SLP filed by one of its Corporate Debtor against the action taken by Hero First under Arbitration Act and thereafter against the IBC. The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its judgment dated 03.10.2017, held that a reading of Section 14 along with Section 238 of IBC clearly stipulates that there is no bar in invoking the provisions of Arbitration Act, and dismissed the SLP preferred by the Corporate Debtor.
• Advising and representing IDBI Bank, a leading national bank, which is a financial creditor of Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, in proceedings presently before the Hon’ble NCLAT. IDBI Bank has challenged provisions of the Resolution Plan of SREI Multiple Asset Infrastructure Trust - Vision India Funds which was approved by the committee of creditors for the Corporate Debtor.
• Advised ArcelorMittal, in its court mandated repayment of the entire outstanding debt of Uttam Galva Steels Limited, one of the largest manufacturers of cold rolled steel and galvanized steel in India.
• Advised JSW Infrastructure as a prospective bidder for Dighi Ports Limited, a greenfield port being developed as a multipurpose, multi cargo, all weather port with deep draught, direct berthing facilities and cargo handling equipment, within outstanding debt in excess of USD 440 million. The Firm advised in review of the various facilities established by the company and legal ownership and title risk related issues attached to the Company.

Overview

Warisha Parkar is a disputes lawyer with over ten years of experience in commercial litigation and arbitration. She advises and represents clients in complex, high-value disputes across sectors, including pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, manufacturing, FMCG, real estate, and technology.

Her practice spans corporate and commercial disputes, contractual claims, constitutional and writ proceedings, and cross-border matters. She has extensive experience in arbitration, including domestic and international proceedings, and regularly represents clients in matters involving interim relief, enforcement, and challenges to arbitral awards.

Warisha appears before the Bombay High Court, Delhi High Court, and other High Courts, as well as arbitral tribunals and regulatory forums. Her work often involves multi-forum strategy, urgent reliefs, and disputes arising out of intricate commercial arrangements.

Experience Statement

• Advised and represented a leading vaccine manufacturer in multi-forum proceedings concerning trademark rights relating to a COVID-19 vaccine, including proceedings before commercial courts, the Bombay High Court, and the Supreme Court of India.

• Represented a multinational pharmaceutical company in a trademark infringement and passing off action before the Bombay High Court concerning pharmaceutical products.

• Advised and represented one of India’s largest cable manufacturers in insolvency proceedings initiated by a consortium of lenders led by a public sector bank.

• Represented a listed diagnostics company in arbitration proceedings arising out of alleged breach of non-compete obligations.

• Acted in an international arbitration involving a leading manufacturing company in relation to disputes under a framework agreement.

• Represented an infrastructure company in multiple arbitration proceedings initiated by contractors and in subsequent challenge proceedings against the arbitral award.

• Appeared in proceedings under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, challenging an arbitral award in favour of a foreign entity.

• Represented a pharmaceutical company in defamation proceedings before the Bombay High Court against a senior editor of a national publication.

• Acted for a public figure in defamation proceedings against multiple media houses and digital platforms before the Bombay High Court.

• Advised and represented a high-net-worth individual in proceedings concerning demolition notices issued by municipal authorities in Mumbai.

Zeeshan has a vast experience in the Intellectual Property (IP) practice. His work spans IP litigation and enforcement before Courts and law enforcement agencies, filing and prosecuting Trademark, Copyright and Design applications as well as Customs registration and enforcement, and handling Domain Name disputes before WIPO and NIXI. His expertise includes advising clients for protecting and enforcing their rights and appearing before Courts.

He has represented nearly 50 Fortune Global 500 companies, advising clients across a wide range of industries, including FMCG, automobiles, oil & gas, retail, fashion, sports, clothing & footwear, hospitality, textiles, food & beverages, toys & games, pharmaceuticals, electronics & appliances, insurance, and financial services.

He regularly appears before various Courts including the Hon’ble High Courts at Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Madras and also before the Registrar of Trade Marks and has a host of reported Judgments to his credit.