Climate Change and ESG

Representative Matters

Banking and Finance

• Advised Thar Surya 1 Private Limited (Thar Surya) in connection with facilities proposed to be availed by Thar Surya from International Finance Corporation (“IFC”), CDC Group Plc (“CDC”) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (“AIIB”) for the construction of a 300 MW (AC) Solar PV project located in Rajasthan, India.
• Advised Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA): in relation to the financial assistances aggregating to INR 13.82 Billion provided to 5 project companies subsidiaries of Vector Green Energy Private Limited involved refinancing of 9 separate solar power projects set up in Punjab and Telangana. on INR 268 Crore financial assistance to Blu-Smart Mobility – the first deal under IREDA’s scheme, to finance new and emerging technologies that promote and increase the usage of renewable energy in the transport sector.
• Acted as lenders’ legal counsel to consortium of lenders led by Bank of Baroda, in connection with the financial assistance to Ola Electric Technologies Private Limited, the electric vehicles (EV) arm of cab aggregator Ola, for the purpose of setting up a green field project for manufacturing electric 2 (two) wheeler vehicles at Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu with an initial capacity of 0.50 million vehicles per annum.
• Advised Virescent Renewable Energy Trust (the “InvIT”) in the private placement of up to 10,000 non-convertible debt securities aggregating up to INR 1000 Crore across three, five and seven- year tranches. The transaction is the first of its kind as it marks the first ever issuance by a renewable energy InvIT in India.
• Advised Renew RTC to finance the country’s largest round-the-clock (RTC) green energy project with a USD 985 Million green loan facility from international banks. Awarded Asia – Pacific Green Deal of the Year Award at PFI Awards and was marked as country’s largest round-the-clock (RTC) green energy project.
• Acted for FS India Solar Ventures Private Limited, in relation to financing proposed to be made available by United States International Development Finance Corporation for an amount of USD 500,000,000 for the purpose of financing development and construction of the 3.3GW-per-annum cadmium telluride solar module manufacturing facility at the Pillaipakkam Industrial Park located in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• Acted for Bank of America in relation to the financial assistances aggregating up to INR 770 Crore made available to ReNew Wind Energy (TN 2) Private Limited, a company promoted by ReNew Power Private Limited in relation to its solar power projects in the states of Karnataka and Telangana.
• Acted for Sasan Power Limited for financing of the approximately 4000 MW Sasan ultra mega power project, along with development of integrated coal mines for captive usage. The project is estimated to be approximately USD 4 Billion. Awarded ‘India Firm of the Year’ for this deal by ACQ Country Law Award. Awarded ‘Deal of the Year’ by India Business Law Journal.
• Acted for Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA): in connection with financial assistance sanctioned to Emmvee Energy Private Limited aggregating up to INR 7928.60 Million. towards 4 different SPVs of Vena Energy Group in connection with financial assistance aggregating to INR 18223 Million. in connection with financial assistance sanctioned to Axis Wind Farms (Rayalaseema) Private Limited and Axis Wind Farms (Anantapur) Private Limited. in connection with financial assistance sanctioned to SJVN Green Energy Limited.
• Advised in relation to providing financial assistance of INR 455 Crore to an SPV of AMP Energy India for solar photovoltaic power project
• Advised in relation to providing financial assistance of INR 310.77 Crore to an SPV of AMP Energy India for a wind solar hybrid power project
• Advised on financial assistance provided to 7 SPVs of NSL Group for 7 renewable energy power projects in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, amounting to INR 673.32 Crore.
• Advised in relation to the financial assistances aggregating to INR 13.82 Billion provided to 5 project companies subsidiaries of Vector Green Energy Private Limited involved refinancing of 9 separate solar power projects set up in Punjab and Telangana.
• Advised in connection with the proposed financial assistance aggregating up to INR 7410 Million to Morjar Windfarm Development Private Limited, a step-down subsidiary of Continuum Green Energy Limited, Singapore, for part financing the estimated cost of setting up and implementing a 148.50 MW wind power plant at Kutch, Gujarat, India and for part repayment of the loans brought in by the promoter/sponsor companies of the Borrower.
• Acted in relation to the financing made available to Renew Jal Urja Private Limited for an amount of INR 750 Crore for the purpose of financing the 99 MW (3 nos. x 33 MW) run of river operational hydro project located near Singoli village, Rudraprayag District in the state of Uttarakhand.
• Advised in connection with financial assistance sanctioned to Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited aggregating up to INR 4834.80 Million for: (a) supply, configuration and integration of 11.00 lakh ‘smart energy meters’ and (b) supply and fixing of 11 lakh auxiliary components, including SMC meter box, molded case circuit breaker, clamps, capacitors, PVC cable (twin core and single core), earth pipes, electroplated spike earthling, for Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited under the ‘YSR Uchita Vyavasaaya Vidyut Pathalkam’ policy of the government of Andhra Pradesh.
• Advised Lanco Solar (Gujarat) Private Limited aggregating up to INR 1169.30 Million for refinancing the existing project indebtedness of its operational 30 MW (2×15 MW) solar photovoltaic grid connected power projects at Villages Chadiyana and Charanka (with 15 MW capacity each), Patan District in the State of Gujarat, India.
• Advised in connection with financial assistance sanctioned to Sri Avantika Power Projects Private Limited aggregating up to INR 1155 Million inter-alia for refinancing the existing lenders of its 18 MW ‘Sapthadharo Small Hydro Project’ near Bakuli Village, Boiparguda Taluka, Koraput and Malkangiri District of Odisha.
• Advised in connection with financial assistance aggregating up to INR 2768 Million sanctioned to Vena Energy Solar India Power Resources Private inter-alia for refinancing the existing debt of its operational 100/130 MW solar power project located at Medak District in the State of Telangana.
• Advised in relation to the financial assistance amounting to INR 552 Crore granted to Axis Wind Farms (Rayalaseema) Private Limited (part of Brookfield’s renewable portfolio in India). in restructuring debt facilities of USD 80 Million of various SPVs of an infrastructure group involved in developing and running small renewable energy power projects. in relation to a term loan facility aggregating to approximately INR 160.10 Crore provided to Azure Power India Private Limited for the purpose of setting up a 30MW solar power project in the Durg and Bemetra districts in the state of Chhattisgarh. in relation to financial assistance availed by Green Infra Corporate Solar Limited, by way of term loan facilities (including sub-limit for letter of credit facility) and working capital facilities, aggregating to INR 1120 Crore, for setting up, developing and implementing a 18 MW wind power project in the state of Gujarat and a 6 MW wind power project in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
• Advised in relation to financing of by way of certain term loan facilities (including letter of credit facilities and buyer’s credit/ supplier’s credit facilities, each as sub-limit of the rupee term loan facility) aggregating to approximately INR 333.45 Crore, to ReNew Solar Energy (Karnataka) Private Limited.
• Acted as lender’s legal counsel to YES Bank Limited, in relation to certain financial assistance being provided to the developer for the construction and development of 20 MW (10 x 2 MW) wind power project at Jaisalmer, in the state of Rajasthan.
• Acted as lenders’ legal counsel to a consortium of lenders led by YES Bank Limited, in relation to term loan facilities aggregating to approximately USD 42.8 Million provided to ReNew Wind Energy (Karnataka) Private Limited, for setting up of a wind power generation project, with a capacity of approximately 50.4 MW, being implemented at Tadas, Haveri District, Karnataka.
• Acted as lenders’ legal counsel to a consortium of lenders led by YES Bank Limited, in relation to term loan facilities aggregating to USD 84.8 Million (including letter of credit facilities of up to USD 37 Million, as a sub limit of the term loan facilities) provided to ReNew Wind Energy (Jath) Private Limited, for setting up of a wind power generation project, with a capacity of approximately 84.65 MW, being implemented at Jath, Sangli District in the state of Maharashtra.
• Acted as lenders’ legal counsel to YES Bank Limited in relation to a syndicated facility provided to ReNew Power Ventures Private Limited. The transaction involved raising of rupee facilities by the borrower and revolving working capital facilities in connection with developing, implementing and setting up of a 51 MW wind power project in the state of Rajasthan.
• Acted as the Indian legal counsel to HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and Roth Capital Partners LLC in connection with the offer of up to an aggregate of 15,828,917 new equity shares at par value USD 0.000625 per equity share on a rights basis by Azure Power Global Limited

Capital Markets

• Advised Virescent Renewable Energy Trust (park of the KKR Platform) in the private placement of 10,000 non-convertible debt securities aggregating up to INR 10 Billion across three, five, and seven-year tranches, with a greenshoe option across each tranche (the “Issue”). The transaction is the first of its kind as it marks the first-ever bond issuance by a renewable energy InvIT in India. The bond issuance because of its unique structure got a rating of AAA.
• Advised Orient Green Power Company Limited (a Shriram group company) a renewable energy-based power generation company, in relation to its initial public offering aggregating to USD 202 Million.
• Acted as sole counsel to the initial public offering of Indosolar Limited, a company engaged in the manufacture of poly-crystalline solar photo-voltaic cells aggregating to approximately INR 357 Crore.

Carbon Markets

• Represented one of India’s largest private sector exporter of iron ore in course of negotiation and drafting of an agreement for development and operation of a waste heat recovery based power generation project in Goa. The Firm also advised the client on validation and registration of the project with the National CDM authority and the Executive Board. The project has already achieved commercial operation; the Firm has been regularly advising the client on various contractual issues pertaining to the project. Further, the Firm has been advising on the proposed transfer of the Carbon Emission Reductions (CERs) issued for the project to a foreign buyer and has reviewed and advised the client on the proposed emissions reduction purchase agreement.
• Advised Leading Dutch energy trading company with respect to purchase of the carbon credits from an Indian chemical company. Advised on negotiation and drafting of the Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreement. The Firm also advised on regulatory, environmental and general corporate issues pertaining to purchase of carbon credits.
• Advised Leading international power generation company in acquisition of an Indian power generation company and on certified emission reductions under hydro-power projects and Indian environmental and foreign exchange regime with respect to purchase and sale of carbon credits.
• Advised Intel (India) with respect to environmental issues in India. Conducted environmental compliance assessment for Intel.
• Advised Government of India with respect to negotiations and development of framework for disciplines on fisheries subsidies under the Agreement for Subsidies and Countervailing Measures at the WTO. The work involved review of the international legal framework on fisheries and the domestic framework on fisheries subsidies.
• Advised Ecosmart India Limited, management consultant to the Environmental Information Centre (EIC), a World Bank assisted project under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India on several issues including publication of environmental data.

Construction and Real Estate

• Advised PSA International PTE Limited and Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Private Limited (a company operating in the renewable energy sector in India) for the project concerning Jawaharlal Nehru Port Phase I – Fourth Container Terminal. Advised on the approvals required for setting up renewable energy projects, more particularly, biomass, wind energy, hydro projects, solar and natural gas projects in various states in India. Specifically assessed the facts and provided advice on whether or not an existing approval was sufficient in context of the project development occurring further away from the shore than initially envisaged.
• Advised Sesa Goa in connection with a proposed mining by-pass road project in Goa. The Firm was involved in the negotiating and drafting the transaction documents and also advised the client on certain land and environment related issues.
• Advised IB VOGT Solar on the acquisition of approx. 700 acres of land at Barmer, Rajasthan for setting up of a solar power project. The Firm is involved in providing end-to-end support, including comprehensive title verification, advisory on complex local land issues, notifications and policies of government, land ceiling laws and exemptions available for the project, etc.
• Advised Fortum Solar India on the acquisition of 1400 acres in Rajasthan for setting up of solar projects and conducting comprehensive title verification.
• Advised Power Finance Corporation Limited on conducting title diligence in connection with the financial assistance to Karnataka Resco Rooftop Solar Private Limited, for part financing the estimated cost of setting up and implementing a 10×10 MW (cumulative 100 MW /135 MWp) solar PV power project at multiple (ten) locations in the state of Maharashtra, India.
• Advised Vector Green on the acquisition of over 300 acres of land in Gujarat for setting up solar power projects. The scope of work included detailed due diligence of land bank, advisory on requisite approvals and intimation required for bonafide industrial use and purchase of the lands, conversion into non-agricultural use, and compliances related thereto with the revenue authority.
• Advised Aditya Birla Renewables on the acquisition of 500 acres in Gujarat for setting up solar projects; conducted comprehensive title verification and transaction documentation. The deal is peculiar as lands are situated in multiple villages and there are issues of contiguity which need to be addressed for the overall efficiency of the solar power project.
• Advised Azure Group, a well-renowned solar plant developer establishing multiple projects at different locations across Northern India. The Firm assisted in conducting comprehensive due diligence of lands aggregating to over 10,000 acres for establishment of solar power plant in Northern India.
• Advised ACME Cleantech in structuring of its acquisition of 5,000 acres in multiple districts of Rajasthan. ACME is one of the largest companies in the solar energy sector with cumulative capacity of 5500+ MW across India.
• Advised O2 Power Private Limited, a premier renewable energy platform in India developing and executing utility scale renewable energy projects in India and having a sizeable portfolio capacity (both Solar and Wind) with primary focus on greenfield project development.
• Advised Avenue Capital Group in relation to acquisition of stake in a hotel project in Goa, India.
• Advised Azure Power in the acquisition of over 5000 acres of land parcel for the establishment of a solar power plant in Northern India. The transaction involved end-to-end support, including comprehensive title verification, advisory on complex land-related issues such as advisory on notifications and policies of government regarding the acquisition of lands for the solar projects in the jurisdiction, land ceiling laws and exemptions available for the project, stamp duty, providing support on document registration, recordal of mutations in the records.
• Advised and Assisted EDF Energies Nouvelles and EREN Renewable Energy in relation to its proposed joint venture in India in a portfolio of solar power. Our scope of work includes title verification of land measuring 100 acres approximately in Madhya Pradesh for setting up of solar plants.
• Assisted HPCL – Mittal Energy Limited (an affiliate of HPCL & LN Mittal Group) in relation to setting up a green field refinery project in India including negotiating and drafting lease agreement and product off-take agreement.
• Acted for and advised Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners: in a large private equity transaction pertaining to investment in an affiliate of Unitech Limited which was engaged in a real estate project in Mumbai. Work involved conducting an exhaustive due diligence on the slum lands with respect to vesting of title, encumbrances, permissive land use, construction development, permissions/ approvals to be obtained from the concerned authority etc, structuring the transaction and drafting of relevant documents. The total deal value of this transaction is approximately USD 200 Million. in their proposed investment in lands/ properties admeasuring 650 acres at Mumbai, Nagpur, Goa, Solapur, Hyderabad and Sikandrabad for setting up of mixed land use developments. The work involved land due diligence entailing title verification, zoning regulations, user, encumbrances, impact of local enactments and regulations, and statutory compliance of mandatory laws, rules, regulations and order. Since the subject lands were primarily agricultural in nature, the assignment faced challenges with regard to review of several complicated documents / records and assessment of complicated antecedent title flow of land parcels forming part of the subject lands in a large private equity transaction pertaining to investment in an affiliate of Unitech Limited which was engaged in a real estate project in Mumbai. Work involved conducting an exhaustive due diligence on the slum lands with respect to vesting of title, encumbrances, permissive land use, construction development, permissions/ approvals to be obtained from the concerned authority etc; structuring the transaction and drafting of relevant documents. The total deal value of this transaction is approximately USD 200 Million. Awarded ‘Social Welfare Deal of the Year’ by Asia Counsel.
• Advised Max India-Antara Purukul Senior Living Limited on a deal involving the setting up of the first residential project meant exclusively for senior citizens in India. The Firm acted on formulating a unique lease-hold model to suit the specific requirements of the client and advised on all legal and regulatory aspects.
• Assisted National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited in comprehensive documentary due diligence of lands ad-measuring 780 acres (approx) spread over various jurisdictions on which the clients hydroelectric power plants are developed/ under development. As part of the requirement emanating from the agreement/ understanding between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited, IDBI Trusteeship Services Limited and other lending entities, the assignment involved in-depth review of a humungous set of documents including complicated notifications and processes involved towards acquisition of lands under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and detailed state specific laws.
• Advised Orange Renewable on two power projects in Rajasthan on lands measuring approximately 100 acres. The scope of work included advising on title issues, land use conversion, land ceiling issues and execution of confirmations by the antecedent owners as required from our review of the title flow.
• Advised a well renowned solar plant developer (name confidential) establishing multiple projects at different locations across Northern India and assisted in conducting comprehensive due diligence of lands aggregating to over 16000 acres for setting up of solar plants. The work involved comprehensive verification of title; zoning issues; change of land use issue, restriction on alienation, land ceiling and land acquisition implications; issues relating to lands owned by minors and number of schedule cates / schedule tribes and suggested rehabilitative measures relating to any such issue. The firm further assisted in drafting of acquisition documents, navigated the client through the exemptions available for the project and provided supported on document registration and suggested rectification of records wherever necessary.
• Advised a well renowned International solar plant developer from Canada (name confidential) establishing six projects generating 350 MW at different locations in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. The Firm assisted in conducting comprehensive due diligence of lands aggregating to over 3000 acres for setting up of solar plants. The work involved was comprehensive verification of title; zoning issues; land ceiling and land acquisition implications; status of conversion; and other local law issues, and suggestive rehab measures to safeguard against encumbrances. The firm has drafted all acquisition documents (sale deed, Power of attorney, confirmation deeds etc.) and navigated the client through entire process of signing, stamping and registration of the title deeds at government offices. on its INR 985 Crore acquisition of Singoli-Bhatwari Hydroelectric Project – a 99 MW commissioned hydro power project in Uttarakhand, which was developed, owned and operated by L&T Uttaranchal Hydropower Limited through 100% acquisition of the company from L&T Power Development Limited and Larsen and Toubro Limited. on the Joint Venture Agreement between ICOL, L&T and Renew.

Corporate

• Advised Renew Power Private Limited (RPPL) on the sale of its entire shareholding in Renew Solar Energy Private Limited (RSEPL) to Fourth Partner Energy Private Limited (FPE) for a consideration of approximately INR 650 Crore.
• Assisted O2 Power Singapore in relation to acquisition of a portfolio of solar power plants (comprising of 3 projects with cumulative capacity of 55 MW) from Bangalore-based solar panel manufacturer Emmvee Photovoltaic Power.
• Advised Petronas in the acquisition of 100% shareholding of Amplus from ISQ Asia Aggregator Pte. Ltd. [ISQ] through PETRONAS’ Dutch subsidiary, PETRONAS International Power Corporation B.V. The deal marks PETRONAS’ international foray into renewable energy and represents a significant step in PETRONAS’ intent to grow in the renewable energy business as part of its strategy to step in the new energy business.
• Advised EDF Energies on multiple acquisitions of solar power projects valued at USD 100 Million and on a 50:50 joint venture with SITAC group of companies, in connection with developing a portfolio of wind power projects of over 150 MW in the State of Gujarat.
• Advised Green Infra Limited on the purchase of BP’s Indian wind business. BP held three wind farms in India with a total capacity of 100 MW. The deal was valued at USD 95 Million.
• Represented Hydro Power project two group companies, extensively involved in hydro power projects, in their minority investments of 26% each in two SPV companies in Himachal Pradesh that house licenses of 5 MW and 4 MW respectively, for development and operation of hydro power projects in Himachal Pradesh.
• Acted for Lanco Group on a transaction involving an agreement with Tejassarnika Hydro Energies Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Greenko Energies, to divest 100% stake in 70 MW Lanco Budhil Hydro Power Project (BHP). The divestment has been disclosed at NSE & BSE.
• Acted for GoodDot in raising funds, a plant-based vegan meat producing company.
• Advised Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited on its acquisition of:
• 250 MWAC commissioned solar photovoltaic power project in Rajasthan through 100% acquisition of the equity shares of the special purpose vehicle (i.e. Acme Chittorgarh Solar Energy Private Limited) from Acme Solar Holdings Private Limited.
• 50 MWAC (69.94 MWp) commissioned photovoltaic power project in Rajasthan through 100% acquisition of the equity shares of the special purpose vehicle (i.e. Phelan Energy India RJ Private Limited) from Phelan Energy Group Limited (Mauritius).
• Advised Petroleum Nasional Berhad in its acquisition of Amplus Energy Solution Pte. Ltd which is the holding company for entire solar energy business including inter alia solar power projects (both rooftop and open access), EPC and O&M business etc.
• Advised Swiss multinational corporation on its potential acquisition of minority stake in SkyPower (at the global level) including conducting legal due diligence on 7 solar power projects of SkyPower in India.
• Advised French infrastructure and power investment company on its potential participation in a windfarm platform joint venture in India including conducting due diligence on the wind projects in India.
• Assisted Penn Energy Renewables Limited in the potential acquisition of Lanco Solar’s 35 MW solar project in Rajasthan, comprising of seven 5 MW projects owned by seven different subsidiaries of Lanco. The firm provided legal services in relation to due diligence and general advisory on the transaction.
• Advised Hero Future Energies Private Limited in relation to its proposed acquisition of certain wind power assets in two states in India.
• Advised Skypower Global in relation to its proposed acquisition of stakes in two Indian companies engaged in the solar energy sector in the State of Rajasthan.
• Advised large European energy major with respect to acquisition of equity in certain companies engaged in generation of solar power in various states in India, conducting due diligence on the companies on the basis of the applicable legal and regulatory framework, drafting and negotiations of transaction documents.
• Advised major global developer of solar energy projects in relation to acquisition of a stake in two Indian companies engaged in the solar energy sector in the State of Rajasthan.
• Acted for and advised Green Village Ventures Private Limited (“GVV”/ “Company”) as well as the Investors – Gdf Suez Rassembleurs D ‘energies, Grameen Credit Agricole Microfinance Foundation and the Promoter of GVV in relation to their investment into GVV. The transaction involved an initial investment into GVV by way of subscription to compulsorily and mandatorily convertible preference shares of the Company.
• Advised EDF Energies Nouvelles (a company incorporated under the laws of France and controlled by Électricité de France S.A) and EREN (a company incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg and controlled by Mr. Pâris Mouratoglou and Mr. David Corchia) in their proposed 50:50 joint venture with ACME group of companies (engaged in the business of solar power generation). The transaction is valued at USD 50 Million.
• Assisted Investment Fund for Developing Countries through DSDG Holding ApS (IFU) in reviewing the transaction documents (i.e., securities subscription agreement and the shareholder’s agreement), negotiating the transaction documents with Cleanmax and other shareholders such as Augment India I Holdings, LLC, UK Climate Investments Apollo Limited and providing assistance in relation to execution of the transaction documents.
• Acted for Neev Fund, an infrastructure private equity fund, backed by State Bank of India [SBI] and UK’s Department for International Development [DIFID], in connection with its investment into Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. [PRESPL] and advised on their investment in Chakr Innovation – a leading Climate Tech company combating air pollution.
• Advised French conglomerate and a Luxembourg based private equity fund in relation to acquisition of a stake in a portfolio of solar power projects in the States of Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• Acted for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sherpalo Ventures both prominent Silicon Valley based venture capital firms in Series A funding of Kotak Urja Private Limited. Kotak Urja is a manufacturer of solar powered equipment.
• Advised SVL-SME Fund (NEEV II Fund) towards its investment of INR 200 Crore in Hygenco Green Energies Private Limited.
• Acted for Accurant International, LLC as legal counsel to Accurant which led the Series A Funding of USD 40 Million for Altigreen Propulsion Labs Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer.

Litigation

• Represented Bisleri International Private Limited client before the National Green Tribunal for a matter involving interpretation of provisions of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and also interpretation of Guidelines/Criteria for evaluation of proposals/requests for ground water abstraction. During the course of this matter, the firm regularly engaged with the Authorities and was appreciated for providing relevant interpretation of the Guidelines.
• Represented Bisleri in a Writ filed before High Court of Kerala against the Notification(s), issued by State of Kerala, imposing ban on the PET/PETE Bottles of capacities below 500ml for drinking water purposes. The case once adjudicated will clarify the position as to the powers of State Government to modify/amend the PWM Rules, which falls within the domain of Central Government, and will also significantly contribute to the Environment Law jurisprudence.
• Represented Wellspun Energy in a litigation before the National Green Tribunal, representing an Energy Company, wherein a grant of Environmental Clearance by the MoEF to the company for a thermal power plant has been challenged.
• Successfully filed an Impleadment application in the Civil Writ Petition filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court subsequently obtaining a vacation of the stay order which prohibited field trials of Genetically modified crops in India.
• File a Writ petition against the State of Maharashtra challenging a notification which had sought to provide for compulsory labelling on the packages of Bt cotton seed to the effect that the seeds in the pack are suitable for cultivation for a specified area only.
• Advised Sesa Goa in connection with a proposed mining by-pass road project in Goa. The Firm was involved in the negotiating and drafting the transaction documents and also advised the client on certain land and environment related issues.
• Represented GOCL Corporation Limited and filed Writ Petition in the High Court of Telangana against order of closure of GOCL’s factory premises, passed by the State Environmental Pollution Control Board and obtained Stay Order from the Court. The powers of the State Pollution Control Board to shut down an industrial establishment were challenged under provisions of Air and Water Act as well as the Constitution of India.
• Acted for Ola Electric Technologies Private Limited as the lenders’ legal counsel to consortium of lenders led by Bank of Baroda, in connection with the financial assistance to Ola Electric Technologies Private Limited, the electric vehicles (EV) arm of cab aggregator Ola, for the purpose of setting up a green field project for manufacturing electric 2 (two) wheeler vehicles at Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu with an initial capacity of 0.50 million vehicles per annum.
• Advised and represented Wonder Projects Development Limited and Godrej Properties Development Limited for a residential project floated by Godrej properties which was challenged before the NGT by a private party and we defended the case for Godrej Properties. This case pertains to climate change and other important aspects of environment law concerning wetlands, eco-sensitive zone, zone of influence etc. in its Series B round of investment in a Company, engaged in the business of designing and developing for the use of the Company or for use of others, all kinds of emission control and reduction devices, air quality treatment devices, water treatment devices, equipment and apparatus for environment safety and sustainability, system software, application software. towards its investment in a Company, engaged in the business of waste management including collection, transportation, segregation, processing, disposal of all types of waste and waste products (whether solid or liquid) not limited to dry waste, compost, goods and articles connected with plastic and waste management industry and other sustainability services in India and abroad.
• Advised Investment Fund for Developing Countries through DSDG Holding ApS (IFU) on its investment in and acquisition up to 9.9% share capital of Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Private Limited.
• Advised a leading real estate company in joint venture / acquisition in relation to a group housing project. As an important aspect of the due diligence, the Client was advised on the potential impact of the Environment Management Plan formulated by the State Government for the conservation of the abutting wet land area and ensuing directions issued by the National Green Tribunal.
• Filed a statutory Civil Appeal in the Supreme Court of India against the interim order of the MRTP Commission on behalf of Mahyco Monsanto Biotech India Limited.
• Defended against proceedings initiated against it in the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission against allegations of restrictive trade practices.
• Represented Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited in a case against Central Information Commission and others where a Writ petition was filed before the Delhi High Court, challenging the order passed by the Central Information Commission, directing the disclosure of information considered proprietary and confidential by Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited. The Firm secured a stay against the order of the Central Information Commission from the Delhi High Court.
• Represented Mahyco Seeds Limited in a case against State of A.P. (W. P. No. 12374 of 2007) where a Writ petition was filed before the A.P. High Court due to the second seizure by the seed inspectors of the hybrid cotton seeds being sold by Mahyco without any authority. The Firm secured Directions issued by Hon’ble A.P. High Court quashing the orders of seizure and permitting sale.
• Advised and represented Welspun Urja Gujarat (P) Limited, Green Infra Solar Energy Limited, Azure Power (Haryana) Private Limited and Palace Solar Energy (P) Limited before the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) in relation to a petition filed by GUVNL inter-alia seeking downward revision of generic solar tariffs fixed by the GERC and re-opening of concluded PPAs based on such generic tariff. The Firm also represented the power producers before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL).

Projects, Energy and Infrastructure

• Assisted Terraform Global India Private Limited (TGIPL) which is an Indian outfit of Brookfield Renewable Partners, a leading Canadian fund expanding operations in renewable energy space, in their various renewable energy projects undertaken in India.
• Advised METKA EGN Limited a world-class EPC and O&M contractor for solar photovoltaic and energy storage projects, on its India-entry strategy related to grid-connected, C&I, rooftop solar power projects.
• Advised Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU) through DSDG Holding ApS. in its acquisition up to 9.9% share capital of Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Private Limited which, by itself and through its subsidiaries, is inter alia engaged in project services relating to solar power and other renewable/clean sources, including customer acquisition, site selection, technical and regulatory evaluation, land acquisition and project development.
• Assisted Amplus Solar Power Private Limited with its intention to enter the residential rooftop solar power development market. The team provided advice on finalisation of the structure and franchise model.
• Assisted UPC Renewable (through its SPV, Masaya Solar) on its 300 MW solar power project in Madhya Pradesh, and reviewed, commented, and negotiated the Term-Sheets for the Project with the selected EPC Contractor and assisted UPC in negotiating and finalizing the EPC Contracts, O&M Contracts, Transmission Agreement, and the Module Supply Agreements (MSAs).
• Assisted Azure Power Global Limited in conducting a limited legal due diligence on the Indian subsidiaries of Azure Power Global Limited implementing solar projects across India with an asset base of over 7.4 GW (i.e., 2.5 GW of operational capacity and 4.9 GW of capacity under construction).
• Advised Hodson Renewables on developing solar rooftop power projects in India including the drafting, negotiation and finalization of PPA with industrial consumers, drafting of and negotiation of Engineering Procurement and Construction Agreement, Operation and Maintenance Agreements for the rooftop projects. Further, assisted and advised on the project finance facility to be availed by it from Global Climate Partnership Fund S.A., SICAV-SIF.
• Advised DLF Group in relation to hiving off and sale of its wind farms located in four different states in India.
• Advised EDF Energies Nouvelles in their proposed 50:50 joint venture with ACME group of companies (engaged in the business of solar power generation) and in connection with drafting of, and negotiations on the EPC contract and O&M contract in relation to its wind farm of approx. 142 MW (expandable upto 320 MW) to be set up in the state of Gujarat.
• Advised and assisted EDF Energies Nouvelles S.A. in relation to its proposed joint venture in India with the Sitac Group promoted by Mr. Malvinder Singh, for developing a portfolio of wind power projects in excess of 125 MW.
• Advised Sitac Management Development Private, a joint venture company of the Sitac Group promoted by Mr. Malvinder Singh and EDF EN India Wind SAS, in relation to bidding for wind power projects in India.
• Advised Ministry of Commerce, Government of India in relation to the domestic content requirement under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and solar policies of different states in India. The scope of work included extensive review of solar policies, incentives and schemes for setting up solar power plants.
• Advised Moser Baer Clean Energy Limited in relation to setting up of projects under the Gujarat Solar Policy. The scope of work included advising in relation to the terms and conditions of setting up solar projects under Phases I and II of the Gujarat Solar Policy and advising in relation to agreements proposed to be entered with respect to the awarded solar projects, including EPC contracts, technical assistance and possible financial investment.
• Advised Moser Baer in relation to a Power Purchase Agreement proposed to be entered into with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) for setting up of a solar energy-based power project in the state of Gujarat and in relation to investments to the tune of USD 250 Million, in different tranches by a consortium of investors in Moser Baer Group companies engaged in the thin films and photo voltaic cell business for solar power projects. The consortium consisted of – CDC Group, GIC, Nomura, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, IDFC Private Equity and IDFC.
• Advised Novatec Biosol, a German company specializing in the manufacture and supply of inter alia solar steam generators for power stations, in relation to its bid for a proposed 125 MW grid interactive CSP solar thermal power plant in the State of Rajasthan.
• Advised Orange Uravakonda Wind Power Private Limited in relation to the development of a 100.8 MW wind power project in Andhra Pradesh.
• Advised Powerica Limited in relation to the development of a 16 MW wind farm in the State of Tamil Nadu.
• Advised ReNew Power Ventures Private Limited in relation to the development of 3 wind power projects across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
• Advised REPower Systems AG erstwhile, a German wind turbine producer, which is an affiliate of Suzlon, on certain SEZ related issues and issues related to certain contemplated supply agreements for supply to India.
• Advised Vestas Wind Technology India Private Limited in relation to inter alia supply agreements for WTGs, and various aspects related to its agreements with customers in India and in relation to the proposed supply, erection and commissioning of wind turbine generators, for Bharat Light and Power. The scope of work involved drafting of the transaction documentation and negotiations with the counterparty.
• Advised EDF Energies Nouvelles in relation to the development of an aggregate of 168 MW wind power projects in Gujarat.
• Advised North American solar power developer in connection with the implementation of solar power projects in certain states in India on Swiss challenge basis.
• Advised European energy major with respect to its proposed joint venture with an Indian entity for setting up of small-scale solar power plant in India.
• Assisted Indian energy and infrastructure major in connection with their proposed joint venture with a Chinese solar photovoltaic manufacturer for the purposes of setting up an integrated solar cell and module manufacturing facility in India.
• Advised company operating in the renewable energy sector in India on the approvals required for setting up renewable energy projects, more particularly solar, hydro, biomass, wind energy, and natural gas projects in various states in India.
• Advised major domestic power producer engaged in the solar energy sector in relation to the JNNSM issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, including analyzing the provisions of draft power purchase agreement and power sale agreement issued by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) under JNNSM and providing comments on it.
• Advised major European utility engaged in the solar energy sector in relation to JNNSM issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, including analyzing the provisions of draft power purchase agreement and power sale agreement issued by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited under JNNSM and providing comments on it.
• Advised major Indian power player on establishing two biomass fired power projects of 10 MW each in Rajasthan including conducting due diligence on the legal and regulatory framework and analysis of the power purchase agreement with the state electricity utility.
• Acted and advised Green Village Ventures Private Limited (GVV/ Company) as well as the Investors- Gdf Suez Rassembleurs D’energies, Grameen Credit Agricole Microfinance Foundation and the Promoter of GVV in relation to their investment into GVV. The transaction involved an initial investment into GVV by way of subscription to compulsorily and mandatorily convertible preference shares of the Company.
• Advised GMR Bajoli Holi Hydropower Private Limited, a GMR Group entity in relation to the contract documentation for certain electro-mechanical works related to the development of a 180 MW hydro power project in the State of Himachal Pradesh and certain tax-related issues.
• Represented Hydro Power Project two group companies, extensively involved in hydro power projects, in their minority investments of 26% each in two SPV companies in Himachal Pradesh that house licenses of 5 MW and 4 MW respectively, for development and operation of hydro power projects in Himachal Pradesh.
• Advised one of the largest Asian energy conglomerate on project developments for 6 wind farms (about 500 MW in various stages of development and operation) in various states including due diligence on the legal and regulatory framework, analysis of the power purchase agreement with the state electricity utility, review of land acquisition and related documents and general regulator advice.
• Advised Merrill Lynch in connection with investment in an Indian company which had been awarded certain small hydro power projects (less than 25 MW) to be developed on a ‘Build Own Operate and Transfer’ (BOOT) basis. Also advised Bank of America Merrill Lynch in connection with the disposal of its stake in these projects.
• Advised Green Ventures in a strategic joint venture with the Essar Group in Mauritius for the purposes of investment into certain hydropower projects in Nepal. The deal value amounted to approximately USD 60 Million.
• Advised a large multinational construction company in connection with the bidding for the construction contract for a 1000 MW hydel project in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Advised one of the largest Korean corporations: with respect to their investment in a hydro power project located in Nepal which would be exporting electricity to India.
• Advised certain foreign investors in relation to their participation in Solar Photovoltaic Power Projects being tendered under the Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy of the Government of Rajasthan.

Pro bono

• Advised and assisted Paani Foundation, a charitable/ non-profit company established for rain-water harvesting and water conservation in Maharashtra to manage acute water shortage in Maharashtra: in raising funds through its client network to support significant initiatives of Mr. Aamir Khan, a leading Indian film actor. in routine as well as event based corporate/regulatory affairs to be undertaken by section 8 company. in an initiative titled, ‘The Satyamev Jayate Water Cup’ which was launched to create a platform for villagers to apply their learning from training programme and make their villages water-abundant. During 45 days of the event, 20,000 villagers trained in scientific watershed management & 22,269 crore liters of water harvesting capacity created worth INR 4,454 Crore.
• The Firm filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Hon‟ble Supreme Court of India (tiled ‘Tehelka and Another v. State of Uttarakhand and Others) for the conservation of tigers and protection of ecology in the Tiger Reserves of India under the ‘Save the Tiger Campaign’.
• Advised and assisted Climate Reality Project, a worldwide climate change not for profit entity set up by Al Gore, in relation to setting up their presence in India and structuring their existing operations in India for compliance under exchange control norms, foreign contribution regulation act as well as their consultancy programs.
• Advised and assisted ClimateWorks Foundation on a myriad of legal issues including laws relating to regulation of foreign contribution and in relation to their contracts and existing operations in India, including on regulatory issues pertaining to the governmental orders cracking down on international donor agencies. Additionally, the Firm also advised them in relation to various issues concerning their presence and funds in relation to their Liaison Office.
• Represented NDTV’s campaign ‘Save the Coastline’ to protect the marine flora & fauna and livelihood of coastal communities before the National Green Tribunal. This was necessary to address rampant construction of ports, harbours and allied coastal structures eroding and displacing coastal communities.
• Advised and assisted NRDC, an international donor agency working in the space of climate change in relation to setting up of their presence in India in the form of branch office. In this regard, the Firm also advised them on the nature of permissible operations from the perspective of exchange control regulations as well as the framework governing foreign contribution laws in India.