The Legal 500

Bhasin & Co is renowned for its airport projects work and recently advised a government aviation agency in relation to the purchase of 15 aircraft. It advises on the contractual and dispute side of ground handling services, and advises domestic and national carriers on aircraft lease agreements and MRO issues.

Luthra & Luthra acted for a consortium of overseas lenders, led by KfW Bankengruppe, regarding a long term financing facility for NACIL (operators of Air India and Indian Airlines) for 22 aircraft. Other key clients of the practice include Lufthansa, Kingfisher and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The practice also advised the Government of India’s planning commission regarding a concession agreement for a greenfield airport project. Sameen Vyas heads the group.

Clients for FoxMandal Little’s aviation 
practice include Continental Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, Kuwait 
Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines. It is 
experienced in aircraft leasing and financing, including operating leases, export credit financings, commercial debt financings and tax based transactions, as well as work regarding airline insolvency, repossession and restructuring.

Link Legal’s aviation practice advised SpiceJet in its $753m purchase of 10 aircraft from Boeing. The practice also acted for Hyderabad International Airport in the finalisation of a joint venture with Malaysian Aerospace Engineering for the development of a maintenance repair and overhaul facility at the Hyderbad International Airport. Atul Sharma leads the practice.

Rajinder Narain & Co is known for its experience in aircraft financing and leasing on behalf of banks. Past clients for the team include Airbus.

Shivpriya Nanda is recommended at J Sagar Associates where past headline work includes advising an airport operator in relation to the privatisation of New Delhi airport. Past clients include Fraport and Punj Lloyd.

Clients of O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates’s two-partner strong aviation practice include Thales International and Augusta Westland. Recent highlights include assisting the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company India obtain approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board to operate and expand in India. The practice also acted for Elisra, an Israeli-based defence company.

Seth Dua & Associates ‘provides a very good level of service’ in aviation matters. The firm acted for SAAB, which set up an aeronautical design and development centre in 2008 and 2009. It also advised a public sector defence company owned by the government of Israel in relation to multiple defence projects in India. Atul Dua comes ‘strongly recommended for advice on aviation, infrastructure and corporate matters in India’ by clients. Taru Gupta is ‘very helpful’.

Titus & Co’s three-partner led aviation 
practice gained one new lawyer in 2008, Praveen Nagar. Ujjwal Sharma is the best-known aviation lawyer at the firm. Clients include Alitalia, Cargoitalia and Raytheon.

Trilegal acted for Mumbai International Airport in 2008 in order to determine an electricity tariff.

With ‘strong consistency’ and ‘wide practice ability’, Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co acted for Unitech in a joint venture slum rehabilitation scheme between Lehman Brothers and the company. The practice also obtained a syndicate loan facility worth $120m for India Infrastructure Finance from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and other lenders. Unitech and Satyam Computer Services are other key clients.

Luthra & Luthra boasts key financial clients such as Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and State Bank of India. The firm worked on some high value deals, for example acting for GMR in the $1.4bn acquisition of Intergen, which completed in September 2008.

Trilegal’s four-partner banking and finance practice underwent dramatic expansion in 2008, with the addition of 6 new partners. The practice acted for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch in the merger of the two groups in 2008. The practice also acted for Nomura concerning the Indian law aspects of its acquisition of Lehman Brothers. The firm also advised China Light and Power in relation to foreign currency debt financing for a consortium of lenders aggregating $1.2bn.

AZB & Partners acted for International Finance Corporation in an external commercial borrowing of $20m and an equity financing transaction of $300m. Another highlight was acting for Barclays in a structured finance transaction.

A key transaction for DSK Legal’s banking and finance practice was advising Credit Renaissance Partners in relation to an external commercial borrowing loan of $1.125m to Mahaan Proteins. The practice also advised and assisted Merrill Lynch Capital in several loan arrangements. Also significant was the practice’s due diligence work for Deutsche Bank and Pegasus Assets Reconstruction.

BN Banerjee is recommended at FoxMandal Little where past clients include Cholamandalam DBS Finance. AK Ghose is also singled out for praise.

A highlight for Hemant Sahai Associates - Advocates’ New Delhi banking and finance team was acting for an infrastructure developer in the $1bn financing of a power project in West India. Jagdrish Prasad Agarwal and Aparajit Bhattacharya handle banking and finance transactions from the New Delhi office.

Indus G&D Law acted for a Middle Eastern investment group setting up a non-banking finance company in India worth $500m in 2009. The practice also conceptualised a $600m Islamic fund for several real estate investments in India, based on sharia law principles for Chatsworth. Gaurav Dani heads the 17-strong practice.

Strongly recommended by clients, J Sagar Associates acted for lenders in a $550m loan facility for a gas field development in India, which was later restructured to $193m. The practice also acted for Standard Chartered in a loan syndicated facility of $54m to SV Oil & Natural Gas. Divyanshu Pandey recently joined the banking and finance practice from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.

Khaitan & Co. advised an Indian company on a term loan worth $275m. The practice also advised a Hong Kong-based consortium of banks regarding a loan facility of $77.5m. Bharat Anand was hired to the New Delhi office from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP to work on corporate and commercial transactions.

P & A Law Offices acted for Wachovia bank, when the bank underwrote $120m debt towards setting up a thermal power plant. It also hired five associates to bolster the practice.

Rated ‘highly’ by clients, S&R Associates acted for Sterlite Industries India in the issuance of $1.5bn American depository shares, which completed in 2009. The practice also acted for sugar producers Bajaj Hindusthan in a $150m qualified institutional placement. Other key clients represented by the practice include Vodafone and Sony Pictures. Clients say Sandip Bhagat is ‘one of the best transactional lawyers in India’.

With six offices throughout India, APJ- SLG Law Offices is renowned for its capital markets expertise, advising clients such as Rajesh Exports, Shiva Cement and Orient Green Power. Joseph Pookkatt is recommended.

Bhasin & Co acts on international offerings and private placements in relation to a range of sectors. It is also recommended for its expertise in project finance and is experienced in hospitality financing and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects.

Nilesh Sharma leads Dhir & Dhir Associates’ restructuring and finance group in New Delhi. A financial highlight for the year was acting for PFS India Financial Services on the financing of power projects in India. Another significant role was acting for Government of India entity, Power Finance, on project financing and due diligence.

Dua Associates’ banking and finance clients include the International Finance Corporation, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase. The practice acted for JPMorgan Chase in the acquisition of non-performing assets under the new securitization laws. Partners in the practice include Shishir Sharma, Jyoti Pande and Neeraj Kumar.

Jafa & Javali advised Bank of Baroda on a $20m external commercial borrowing facility to Sumeet Industries.

With offices in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Sanfrancisco and a representative office in Singapore, K. R. Chawla & Co’s recent clients include K Sera Productions, Aksh Optifibre Flex Industries and Maars Software. It also advises corporate clients, private and foreign banks and foreign institutional investors in relation to foreign exchange regulations pertaining to investments and transactions.

Sami Bedi heads a banking and finance practice of six associates at KSB Partners. Restructuring a $400m cross border facility was a highlight of 2008. The practice was also involved in restructuring a $20m project finance transaction for hydropower projects.

Kochhar & Co represented ICICI in three term loan transactions ranging between $25m and $150m. Icon Capital and First Title Insurance are other key clients of the firm.

Link Legal advised Sujana Group in obtaining a credit facility from Deutsche Bank for $90m. The practice also advised Axis bank on several transactions and acted for GMR Infrastructure in the financing of €336m for the development of a new international terminal building. Munish Sharma heads the two-partner strong practice.

O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates acted for DnB NOR Bank in a $160m loan facility to Virtue Drilling. Other clients include ING Asia and Apollo Tyres.

Major clients of Rajinder Narain & Co’s banking and finance practice include Deutsche Bank, World Bank, IMF and UBS.

Sunil Seth heads the banking and finance practice at Seth Dua & Associates. The practice advised on the financing structure for Fitness First to set up outlets in India.

‘Responsive and practical’, Singhania & Partners drafted a $416m loan facility for Unitech. The firm also acted as legal counsel to the State Bank of India for two loan facilities of INR1bn and INR1.5bn respectively. Clients recommend Dipak Rao, and ‘excellent’ Ravi Singhania and Sunil Kumar.

Baljit Singh Kalha heads the banking and finance department at Titus & Co. The practice represented Tata Consultancy services in connection with overseas investments. The practice also structured finances for Advanta Bank’s Indian operations.

Vaish Associates acted as financial advisors to Ranbaxy Laboratories in a INR2.5bn sale of shares. Cello Group is another key client of the firm.

Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co advised on the INR105bn sale of Satyam Computer Services and the induction of a strategic buyer, which completed in April 2009. The practice also acted for Eicher Motors in a joint venture to set up a company with Volvo.

AZB & Partners' clients include HSBC Securities and Capital Markets. The practice has a ‘good’ reputation amongst other firms practising in the M&A area. Zia Mody is considered to be particularly good.

J Sagar Associates’ corporate team of ‘excellent’ and ‘responsive’ commercial lawyers acted for Reliance in the acquisition of Ultra Mega Power Project transmission system in India. This deal, coupled with several other key acqusition deals and a string of clients including Asia Pacific Breweries and Tyson Foods, typified the team’s work.

‘Very well connected’ and staffed with ‘reliable and dependable’ lawyers, clients recommend Luthra & Luthra for businesses seeking corporate and M&A advice who are new to India. The practice typically works on high value acquisitions and capital investments, and in April 2009, acted for Unitech regarding Telenor’s $1.8bn acquisition of a 60% stake in the company. Acting on behalf of the acquirer, the practice was sole counsel to GMR in its $1.4bn acquisition in a stake of Intergen.

P & A Law Offices provides ‘valuable advice on M&A and dispute resolution relating to corporate issues’ according to clients. A highlight for the firm was acting for Daiichi Sankyo in the biggest foreign direct investment in a public listed company in India, the $4.8bn acquisition of a major private equity stake in Ranbaxy. The firm was also involved in advising Tech Mahindra on its purchase of a $351m 31% stake in Satyam and tender offer for a further 20%. Anand S Pathak and Nitin Wadhwa are singled out for their ‘deep knowledge’ and reliability.

The nine-partner practice at Trilegal was involved in a string of key mergers and acquisitions, including acting for Telenor in its $1.8bn acquisition of a stake in Unitech Wireless. Acting for Heineken on its indirect acquisition of a stake in United Breweries was another highlight. The practice also advised Bank of America and Merrill Lynch on the aspects of their merger.

Significant projects handled from DSK Legal’s New Delhi office include acting for investment funds with investments in India, such as Clearwater, Schroder and Asian Debt Fund. The work for Clearwater included assisting the company with providing a $150m loan to Saraya Industries. The two partners in the New Delhi corporate practice are Gopika Pant and Piyoosh Gupta. Anand Desai splits his time between the Mumbai and New Delhi offices.

Dua Associates provides a ‘quality service’ in the corporate and M&A area. High profile work includes advising the rail division of United Group on its joint venture in India with a domestic company.

Headline clients for FoxMandal Little include US/French telecoms equipment supplier Alcatel-Lucent and Gresham Private Equity, 3i and Alchemy Partners. Managing partner Som Mandal and Vineet Aneja are recommended.

A recent highlight for Hemant Sahai Associates - Advocates was advising RFCL and ICICI Venture Funds Management on the 
sale of the Vetnex animal healthcare division 
of RFCL worth $70m. The practice advised CK Jaipuria Group on two transactions in 2008, including the sale and disinvestment of its shareholding in Creambell Ice Creams and the Asia Pacific arm of Heineken respectively. Also significant was acting for National Textile Corporation on the $500m privatisation of textile mills across India.

Managing partner, Harvansh P Chawla at K. R. Chawla & Co is highly regarded in the market. Past clients include The Eat Out Group and India China Pre-IPO Equity (Mauritius). Sumesh Dewan is also recommended.

‘Very responsive and responsible’, Kochhar & Co represented several companies in connection with acquisitions and financial restructuring. A highlight in 2008 was representing a Fortune 500 company in connection with the acquisition of a stake in an Indian television channel, which included structuring and due diligence. Another significant transaction was restructuring Panasonic’s Indian operations.

Seth Dua & Associates offers an ‘amazing’ level of service according to clients. Atul Dua is ‘supportive and approachable’ according to clients, and particularly strong in ‘matters related to seeking government approvals’. Karnika Seth’s legal expertise ‘is remarkable’ say clients. Amit Mehta is also ‘excellent’.

A highlight for Titus & Co’s corporate practice was acting for Itochu concerning the development of a $2.4bn telecom service project in India. Another highlight was acting on behalf of Wrigley’s in its $30m acquisition of Joyco. Ikea was another significant client for the practice, advising on the establishment of its operations in India.

The corporate practice at Vaish Associates leaves clients ‘fully satisfied’. The practice was involved in some major acquisitions, including SPX’s acquisition of a 100% shareholding in Johnson Pump. Another instruction was from Tellabs in acquiring a majority stake in Fibcom India. The team also advised Panacea Biotech in acquiring a 14.5% stake in PharmAthene. Vinay Vaish, Satbinder Singh and Vijay Dalmia are all ‘very good’.

Bhasin & Co corporate and M&A practice centres primarily on the aviation, hospitality and property sectors. Recent work includes advising on the merger of two leading industrial companies.

Headed by Avimukt Dar, Indus G&D Law’s corporate practice acted for a number of clients on acquisitions, joint ventures and capital raising in 2008 and 2009. Acting for Gefran in its 100% acquisition of Pune based V3 Control Solutions was a highlight of the year, as was advising Brindco on its acquisition of a stake in Grover Vineyards, and advising Planet Retail on its acquisition by Marks & Spencer Reliance.

Kachwaha & Partners is recommended for experience in advising foreign clients, with particularly strong South Korean client base.

A recent highlight for Khaitan & Co. was acting for a private holdings company in July 2009 in the $8.31m sale of its capacitors and holdings business. The practice also advised on several key deals, including a steel company on its acquisition of a steel plant, and a manufacturer of sanitary products on the acquisition of companies in Europe.

Advising GMR Infrastructure regarding the acquisition of a 51% stake in Kakinada Refineries Petrochemicals was a highlight for Link Legal. The practice also advised Steel Authority of India in its amalgamation with Bharat Refractories. Also significant was acting for IOT Infrastructure in relation to its $40m acquisition of a Canada-based company.

A recent highlight for O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates was advising a trustee of Singapore on a proposed acquisition of a 49% stake in a hotel group.

Karam Daulet-Singh heads Platinum Partners’ New Delhi practice. A recent highlight was acting for Deutsche Telecom with regards to its $75m investment in a multimedia company. The practice also advised MTN on its proposal to merge with Bharti Airtel, and another aborted merger with Reliance Communications, each worth in the region of $20bn.

International corporate and transactional work is central to Rajinder Narain & Co’s practice. Its Mumbai office recieves instructions from IT service providers and hospitality clients.

S&R Associates provides an ‘exceptionally good level of service’. A recent highlight was acting for D E Shaw in its private equity investments. Advising Henderson Equity Partners in its investment in Sharda Worldwide Exports was also a highlight. Another key client for the firm was Vodafone Essar. Rajat Sethi is ‘particularly good’. Tanya Agarwal and Niti Dixit are also ‘particularly strong’.

Key to Singhania & Co’s corporate and M&A practice was acting for real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle concerning its acquisition of Meghraj Tramell Crow. Also significant was the practice’s instruction from Manchester United, advising on setting up a franchise in India.

APJ- SLG Law Offices’ corporate practice is led by Joseph Pookkatt. Its expertise includes advising on the formation of businesses and associations, tax structuring, public and private debt financing. It also advises on corporate governance issues, reporting and disclosure requirements, limitations on foreign investments, and various structuring alternatives, such as joint ventures and minority acquisitions.

Hitachi, Toshiba and BGS Smartcards Systems were all significant clients of Chitale & Chitale Partners in 2008. Acting for BGS Smartcard Systems on a foreign direct investment was a highlight of the year. The practice also represented Government of India’s Central Warehousing regarding state legislation.

‘A rare find’, clients praise Archer & Angel for being ‘very responsive and client focused’. Acting for Oracle on its $150m acquisition of Relsys was a key transaction for the firm. Another highlight was from ClickSoftware Technologies on the asset purchase of the management of Machitra Services. Srijoy Das is ‘outstanding’ and offers ‘sound advice’ according to clients.

Associated Law Advisers’ expertise includes international standing, handling general transactional work and corporate restructuring.

Dhir & Dhir Associates acted for Spanco Telecommunications in relation to its successful bid for a government tender. The practice was also successful acting for IFB Autoliv in a dispute against joint partner Autoliv. Significantly, the practice acted for the Serious Fraud Investigation Office in investigations into corporate frauds.

India Juris advises clients from the manufacturing, mining, IT and retail sectors. It is experienced in advising on joint ventures alliances and restructurings, with expertise in carbon credit work.

With clients in the manufacturing, food and drink, transport, consumer goods and healthcare sectors IndoJuris Law Offices is also experienced in oil and gas-related work.

Jafa & Javali acted for Adapt Software on the restructuring of the company. Advising Comecer on the establishment of a subsidiary in India was also a highlight.

KSB Partners provides an ‘excellent’ level of service according to clients. Acting for an AIM listed fund in a $90m transaction was a highlight of the 2008 and 2009 period. Samir Bedi and Srinivas Kilambi are ‘good’.

Clients regard Kaden Boriss Legal LLP’s corporate lawyers as ‘extremely professional’ and ‘excellent on all counts’. Hemant Batra, Manila Munjal and Preet Sethi are ‘very capable’.

King, Stubb & Kasiva is renowned for its vast client base that covers a range of industries and business sectors including governments, banks, insurance and financial institutions, and professional firms.

LexCounsel has a ‘strong team’ and ‘excellent’ level of service,. Alishan Naqvee is ‘highly recommended’ by clients as especially ‘helpful’.

Established in 2000, N South’s past client base includes HSBC Private Equity Advisors and Caparo India. Managing partner Ranjeev C Dubeyis recommended.

A recent highlight for P H Parekh & Co was acting for NJJW on an INR6bn joint venture between Hindustan Construction and Imrelegio.

With eight offices across India, Singhania & Co also have offices in the UK and New York. Its expertise includes inward investment, including M&A, company formations, BPOs and joint ventures.

Swarup & Company’s expertise lies particularly in projects-related corporate and M&A work. It is also recommended for investment fund structuring for both domestic and overseas clients.

A key instruction for Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co’s two-partner strong dispute resolution practice was defending Satyam Computer Services against allegations of defrauding Company Law Board of INR70bn. Pallavi Schroff leads the practice.

Bhasin & Co’s recent highlights include acting on an ICC arbitration relating to joint venture disputes between leading cellular operators, and a landmark judgement for Caterpillar India when it challenged the purchase preference policy of the Central Government.

J Sagar Associates’ dispute resolution 
practice is chaired by Amar Gupta. A significant instruction was advising a coal trader in an international arbitration conducted by the ICC International Court of Arbitration against an Indian public sector body for claims of $160m. The team successfully acted for Credit Suisse in the Delhi High Court relating to documentary credit.

A highlight for Kachwaha & Partners was successfully defending Haldor Topsoe against a pricing action brought by Sud-Chemie. The practice was also instructed by Ramunia Fabricators in a dispute against ONGC regarding a tender for a $600m offshore field development project.

Karanjawala and Company continued to act on behalf of a range of celebrities and corporate companies. A well-publicised highlight was acting on behalf of Feroze Varun Gandhi in a dispute over an alleged hate speech, successfully gaining his release in April 2009. The practice is also defending Sanjeev Nanda against charges in a BMW accident dispute, before the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge in New Delhi. The practice’s ‘well-knit team’ is ‘excellent in all aspects’ according to clients. Nandini Gore and Ruby Ahuja are ‘very efficient’.

One of the most significant disputes handled by the eight-partner practice at Luthra & Luthra was acting for Moser Baer India in relation to a multi-jurisdictional $900m damages claim relating to a patent license agreement made between Philips and 3M, which became one of the parenting companies of joint venture MBI, called Imation. The practice also acted for Multi Screen Media to seek injunctive relief for the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision to stop the media rights license agreement endowing MSM with the right to broadcast the Indian Premier League for ten years.

P H Parekh & Co are renowned for their track record in the Supreme Court. It is recomended for its high profile arbitration work, as well as its labour law practice and expertise in construction-related claims.

The most significant case AZB & Partners’ dispute resolution practice worked on in 2009 was acting for Lehman Brothers in a dispute in relation to its assets brought by Brics Securities before the Bombay High Court, amounting to a claim of INR1.23bn. A significant success for the team was the representation of the Star Group in the Bombay Court against an injunction sought by Balaji to prevent it from terminating a television show.

The principal case Dua Associates’ dispute resolution team was involved in during 2008 was defending Dow Chemicals in a large environmental claim. The practice also acted for Chatterjee Petrochem with regards to a dispute over the control of Haldia Petrochem. A significant client was the organising committee for the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010, which the practice acted for in a dispute brought by an environmentalist opposing the construction of facilities for the games.

FoxMandal Little’s arbitration and dispute resolution practice is a central pillar of the firm. Past work includes advising a UK-based international development company in an arbitration against an Indian State Government.

A significant instruction for Jafa & Javali was advising Norwegian Engineering and Consulting in disputes connected with a services agreement against an engineering recruitment company. The practice also acted for All India Crop Biotechnology Association and ABN AMRO in disputes in 2009.

Kamal Nijhawan is recommended at K. R. Chawla & Co. Its expertise includes work relating to the aviation sector or IP infringements. It is noted for acting on various cargo and ticketing claims for Singapore Airlines, Gulf Airways and Thai Airways.

Khaitan & Co. acted for a member of Bar council concerning a petition filed in order to declare sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as beyond the bounds of the constitution.

Kochhar & Co’s dispute resolution practice provides a ‘good’ level of service. A recent significant instruction was ITOCHU India Private regarding a dispute with Momento Nepal regarding a manufacturing contract. Another highlight was acting for Forbes magazine in a suit for damages filed by the owner of Times of India. Syed Naqvi joined the New Delhi office as partner in the litigation department.

Link Legal is renowned for its aviation law expertise and recently represented Hyderabad International Airport in various class action litigations. Other notable work includes acting as defendant’s counsel to Philips Konikokje in anti-suit injunctions against Moser Baer. Atul Sharma is recommended.

O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates is highly regarded for its international arbitration and ADR expertise. It is also recomended for its experience in commercial, civil and criminal litigations at all levels of Indian courts in relation to oil and gas, commodities, construction, international trade and engineering. Past clients include McDermott International, Bharat Explosives and Cosmo Films.

P & A Law Offices is recommended for its ‘valuable advice’ with regards to corporate disputes. Anand S Pathak and Nitin Wadhwa are ‘reliable’.

Rajinder Narain & Co’s vast litigation practice acts on domestic litigations, as well as international arbitration in a variety of sectors such as property, commercial and tax disputes as well as consumer litigation.

S&R Associates’ disputes work often derives from its clients in the TMT sector, and it is experienced in shareholder disputes. Notable past clients include Sony Pictures Entertainment, Vodafone and Lucent Technologies.

Seth Dua & Associates’ ‘world class team’ offers ‘fantastic legal advice’ with regards to disputes, with ‘the pace of activity and level of reliability that is found in New York’. Atul Dua and Asheeh Bhandari are ‘excellent strategists’, whilst Sunil Seth is also ‘very good’.

Vikas Goel is the key contact at Singhania & Partners. Recent highlights include advising NAFED in relation to an international commercial arbitration in Hong Kong, in a dispute relating to iron ore trading. Other clients include Securities Printing and Minting and RailTel.

Titus & Co was successful acting for Real Networks in a case to restrain Bharti Telesoft from providing services without its involvement. Another highlight was acting for Samsung before the Ministry of Finance against anti-dumping investigations. The team, which includes three partners, is led by Suhail Dutt.

Anand Prasad leads the dispute resolution practice at Trilegal. One of the most interesting instructions for the dispute team is acting for Petronet LNG in relation to petitions filed by Gujarat state corporations that challenge the government’s revision of LNG prices under fixed term contracts. Another highlight was representing Yatra Online Private in an injunction suit against an employee relating to confidentiality of an employment agreement.

Anand and Anand works principally on disputes relating to patents. Significant clients of the firm include Philips in an anti-suit injunction dispute with Moserbaer, Mattel, Roche and Pfizer and Brystol Myers Squibb.

Chitale & Chitale Partners act primarily in patent and employment litigation. Garware Wall Ropes instructed the practice in a patent litigation case in the Supreme Court. The 
practice also acted for Air Liquide in a dispute over a share purchase agreement filed by 
Goyal MG Gases.

Partner Balbir Singh leads DSK Legal’s three-partner New Delhi litigation practice. Key clients of the practice include Blue Dart Express who the practice has acted for in several disputes in the State High Courts. Acting for Maneesh Pharmaceuticals in disputes with Corporation Bank concerning derivative contracts was another highlight.

Hemant Sahai Associates - Advocates focuses on corporate and commercial disputes. Acting for a leading Chinese coal producer on a $30m claim in an international commercial arbitration was a highlight for the practice. The practice also acted for Gujarat Fluorochemicals relating to a claim of $50m. Uttar Pradesh Power is also a key client.

Jitendra Sharma heads the dispute resolution team at JM Sharma & Co. Clients represented in the New Delhi courts include Bajaj Hindustan and Radico Khaitan. The practice also acted in the supreme courts for Uttar Pradesh Power and Abdul Wahid.

LexCounsel acted for Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board in the Tata Power versus Union of India dispute, which challenged the allocation of coal to Reliance Power. The practice also acted for PGA Trading & Shipping concerning the misuse of shipping documents and insurance claims.

Archer & Angel comes ‘highly recommended’ by clients, providing ‘excellent’ response times 
and advice. Akash Bhardwaj is particularly ‘attentive’ and provides an ‘excellent level of service’.

Pragyan Sharma heads the New Delhi dispute resolution practice at Brus Chambers, Advocates & Solicitors. Key clients of the team include Radiocity, Sony BMG, Goel Foods, NDTV Imagine and India Pacific Infrastructure.

Working with Economic Laws Practice’s lawyers is a ‘wonderful experience’ say clients. Tushar Chawla and Tarun Gulati are described as ‘great’ by clients.

Singhania & Co acted for NAFED in a trading dispute in Hong Kong. The practice significantly acted for Security Printing and Minting in three international disputes against Moscow Mint, Arets Graphics and Jindal Steels respectively, concerning damages, defective goods and bid parameters. Another major client of the firm is RailTel.

A highlight for Suman Khaitan & Co’s dispute practice was acting in an international arbitration on behalf of Oriental Carbon Chemicals involving a claim and counter claim of over INR1bn. The practice appeared before the Arbitral Tribunal on behalf of Dalmia Cement, Hindustan Vidyut, Hyderabad Industries, Indcap Finance, Jaya Shree, Jindal Poly Films, KPL and India Lurgi India.

Tuli & Co primarily represent insurers and reinsurers in arbitration claims, including acting for an Indian insurer in a $700m dispute. Another highlight was acting for an insurer regarding the scope of a machinery breakdown cover claim of $13m. Neeraj Tuli heads the ‘excellent, highly professional and systematic’ two partner-strong practice. Mrinal Ojha is ‘exemplary’ and ‘focused’.

Clients of the renowned practice at Kesar Dass B. & Associates include American Express, Oman International Bank and Commerzbank. Sumant Batra has been an international consultant to the OECD on insolvency in South Asia and is highly recommended.

Dhir & Dhir Associates handle around 40% of insolvency transactions filed before the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction. Nilesh Sharma is a key partner in the firm’s insolvency practice. Key clients that the practice has acted for regarding restructuring and insolvency include the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction, JK Synthetics and Paradeep Phosphates.

Name partner Vivek Sibal is recommended at Sibal and Eradi, which has a large corporate client base.

Tuli & Co’s ‘excellent’ insurance practice has ‘very good’ industry knowledge according to clients. Neeraj Tuli and Celia Jenkins are both ‘very good’.

Chiramel & Co is highly recommended for its experience in insurance disputes.

AZB & Partners acted for MetLife regarding an insurance brokering and distribution scheme with India Infoline, worth INR6bn.

FoxMandal Little advises corporate clients on insurance and reinsurance law.

P H Parekh & Co is known for its contentious law expertise in the insurance field.

‘At the forefront’ with ‘tremendous’ domain knowledge, Anand and Anand ‘have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in the pharmaceutical IP field’. A recent highlight for the practice was acting for Samsung regarding patent infringement claims after goods were detained by the Customs Authorities. The practice also acted for Pfizer and Roche regarding the withdrawal of compulsory patent licenses. Clients hold Pravin Anand in ‘high esteem’ because of his ‘extremely good analytical capability’.

With offices in Guragon and Bangalore, K & S Partners is a separate IP division of J Sagar Associates. DC Gabriel and Rajendra Kumar are recommended.

Being the largest intellectual property firm in India makes Remfry & Sagar stand out. The practice acted for Novartis, challenging the Indian Patent Act. The instruction from Bayer in an unprecedented case involving a link between patent and drug laws was also particularly significant.

Akash Chittranshi & Associates is renowned for its work in the publishing field, notably for successfully stopping the distribution of unauthorised versions of the final book in the Harry Potter series. Rahul Beruar joined FoxMandal Little in late 2008.

A highlight for D P Ahuja & Co was acting for an inventor regarding a patent for a herbal healthcare product. Partner Amritha Ahuja is central to the intellectual property practice.

With offices in Nepal, Sri Lanka and New Delhi, Lall & Sethi Advocates cover a range of contentious and non-contentious copyright, trade mark and patent work.

Nodia-based Saikrishna & Associates is recommended for its trade mark and copyright enforcement work. Saikrishna Rajagopal is recommended.

AZB & Partners’s ‘response time and business acumen is spot on’ according to clients. Nanju Ganapathy and Raman Sharma ‘have an in depth knowledge of their subject’.

With offices in New York, New Delhi and Zurich, Amarjit & Associates’ IP practice handles trade mark, licensing and litigation work for clients such as Fortis Bank, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Conde Nast, Fox Network and Dubai Holdings.

S C Chadha heads the IP practice at Chadha & Chadha. New additions to the practice include Shivarpita Nailwal who joined as a patent agent in the Biotech field. The practice also hired Gopal Trivedi to the trade mark litigation and anti-counterfeiting practice. A significant win for the practice was the successful representation of a Danish client in an opposition involving the EXIT trade mark. New clients of the practice included ArcelorMittal and Inditex. Samsung is a client of the patent prosecution practice.

De Penning & De Penning provides ‘quality service’.

IP firm Subramaniam Nataraj & Associates services both national and international clients in the full range of IP work including filing, prosecuting and registering patents, trade marks, industrial designs and copyrights.

Clients of Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co include Nikon and Becton Dickinson. Ranjan Negi heads the trade mark and copyright practice, whereas Dev Robinson leads the patents and designs practice group. A key highlight for the practice was acting for Rolex in a suit against Alex Jewellery regarding imitation jewellery, in which an injunction was granted against the defendants.

‘Prompt and practical advice’ characterises Archer & Angel’s ‘very good’ intellectual 
property practice. The practice engaged in several infringement disputes and counterfeiting matters in 2008. A key highlight was acting for Comcast in litigation and negotiation regarding issues of cyber squatting. Srijoy Das and Dhwani Bhadoria are ‘very good’ according to clients.

With a focus on disputes, Bhasin & Co is renowned for its vast international client base, advising on trade mark claims and filings.

Significant IP work for DSK Legal included assisting Blue Dart Express and Power Brand Foods with their trade mark portfolios. The practice also handled Triveni Bialetti’s brand management portfolio.

FoxMandal Little’s IP department advises on a full range of patent, trade mark and copyright issues. Past clients include acting for AGA Medical before Delhi High Court, advising Daiichi Sankyo was assisted with patent-related issues, and acting for Huawel Telecommunications in relation to domain disputes. Other notable clients include LexisNexis.

Kirit Javali is a key partner in Jafa & Javali’s intellectual property practice. The breadth of the practice’s work varies from defence work, through to protection and advice surrounding trade marks, copyright issues and intellectual property rights. The practice acted for Kraitkam regarding its trade mark applications for various combat equipment. A highlight was defending Rediff.com regarding disputes over alleged violation of intellectual property rights with a television company. Other clients include Ncsoft Europe and Applied Research International.

K. R. Chawla & Co advises on IP infringement matters for a number of its corporate clients. It recently advised Denso Corporation (Japan) in relation to trade mark matters, and assisted Macleods in relation to a suit against Invision Medicines for copycat trade marking.

King, Stubb & Kasiva’s expertise includes advising on trade mark infringement actions and complex passing-off matters for a range of overseas brands.

Based in the New Delhi office, Rodney Ryder heads the new media and intellectual property practice at Kochhar & Co. The practice is 
considered ‘much better than the norm’ by clients and provides ‘excellent’ IP work at ‘good value’. Tarvinder Singh is ‘very good’. The practice handles the trade mark portfolios of brands including General Electric, the State Bank of India, the Punjab National Bank and Polyplex. The practice also handles patent portfolios for a range of companies including Victor, Purolator, Gabriel and Biocon.

Luthra & Luthra acted for Moser Baer India in a claim involving issues of patent infringement of over $900m. Another work highlight was acting for Phonographic Performance Limited regarding a copyright appeal on playable music. The practice also acted for QVT Financials in relation to license agreements over software. Ameet Datta was recruited to the practice.

Neel Mason at the ‘very good’ Mason & Associates is ‘dedicated and friendly’.

Preeti Mehta is a key partner at Mehta & Mehta Associates which has handled several issues relating to trade marks and licensing for clients such as United Breweries. Other clients of the practice include KPMG, Bank of Nova Scotia and Hubb Organisation.

O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates do a range of IP work, including trade mark and IP rights. A recent highlight was acting on a trade mark dispute for a luxury hotel in Delhi. The practice also established IP rights for a list of varied clients including Assam tea estates, boutiques and education groups.

Obhan & Associates’ IP practice is considered by clients to be ‘excellent overall’. Essenese Obhan and Aparna Kareer are recommended for their ‘timeliness, accuracy and knowledge’ in relation to patent drafting and strategies.

Niche technology law practice, Pavan Duggal Associates Advocates is led by Pavan Duggal. Its expertise includes advising on complex IP matters in the e-commerce space.

Seth Dua & Associates leaves clients ‘totally satisfied’, producing an ‘excellent level of IP work’. Karnika Seth is ‘excellent’.

A highlight for Titus & Co’s intellectual property practice was acting for ABRO Industries in protection of its intellectual property rights. Rai Mittal heads the two-partner practice, which gained Nagendra Kasana and Praveen Nagar in 2008.

Working on trade marks and license agreements is the mainstay of Trilegal’s IP work. Partners Rahul Matthan and Amit Tambe are central to the practice. Key transactions include acting for Guruji regarding liability copyright infringement liability. Also significant was acting on trade mark applications and IP strategies for PlanetSaffron Art. In addition to many other trade mark-related transactions, the practice handled a list of IP rights-related work for companies such as SunGard and OnMobile Global.

Sandhya Iyer is a key patent lawyer at Vaish Associates, which is headed by Vijay Dalmia. A highlight for the practice was acting for SKE Creative against a copyright infringement by an Indian movie producer. Microsoft was another key client. On the trade mark side, the practice prosecuted trade mark applications for BILT Paper Holdings.

A key case for AZB & Partners was acting for Tata Power in connection with two financing facilities at up to INR2.05bn, which were used to create two large wind turbine power generation facilities with 91 wind turbines.

A highlight for Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co in 2008 was acting for Hyderabad Metro Rail and the government of Andhra Pradesh regarding the INR120bn development of an MRTS system in the state. Another major highlight was acting on behalf of DIAL regarding the selection of a developer for an airport Fuel Facility at the IGI Airport, which involved an INR65bn bid.

Hemant Sahai Associates - Advocates handle a vast and diverse selection of energy projects including greenfield, airport, railway and energy projects. Most of the energy projects the practice recently worked on were thermal projects and other renewable projects. In 2009, the practice acted on projects totalling around $3bn of investments.

Sumanto Basu chairs the projects and energy practice at J Sagar Associates, alongside New Delhi-based regulatory and policy head, Amit Kapur. A key project for the practice was acting for Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles regarding its joint venture Airport Metro Express development, with Reliance Infrastructure. Also significant was acting for Reliance Power in the development of two 4000MW coal fire projects.

Partners Akshay Jaitly and Sitesh Mukherjee head up the projects and energy practice at Trilegal. Thermal projects are a mainstay of the firm’s work in this area, although transportation and other energy projects also feature highly. A highlight was acting for China Light and Power concerning a 1320 MW thermal power project. The practice also worked on the concession agreement for Delhi Airport Metro Express Private’s joint venture with Reliance Infrastructure, also assisting with the restructuring of a contractual arrangement on behalf of Delhi Metro Rail.

Atul Sharma heads Link Legal’s New Delhi projects and energy practice. Much of the work concerns major transportation projects related mainly with air travel. Key was the contract advisory work the practice did for GMR Infrastructure concerning the development of a new €500m airport terminal building in Istanbul. Another highlight was acting for Delhi International Airport Private concerning contracts for the $700m Indira Gandhi International Airport expansion. The practice also significantly advised Maytas Infra concerning the Hyderbad Metro Rail project.

Luthra & Luthra worked on a large volume of project financing deals, including acting for GMR regarding contracts for a 1050 MW coal project for $1bn. A highlight was acting for the Planning Commission on Model Concession agreements for greenfield airports, railways and power systems, of up to $10bn. Sameen Vyas and Aniket Sengupta head the New Delhi practice, which gained five new additions in 2008.

Seth Dua & Associates handle an exceptional volume of power and energy projects of all kinds, including acting for Veolia Water on its bid for a desalination plant project. The practice also advised a subsidiary of the group on various EPC projects. Also significant was advising Laing O’Rourke on a series of projects including the redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station, and construction aspects of the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010. The practice also advised Israel’s Rafael Armament Development Authority on several defence projects. Clients go to Seth Dua & Associates for its ‘very good advice’, with Sunil Seth recommended for energy projects work.

DSK Legal’s New Delhi projects and energy practice crosses offices, seeing the New Delhi office work alongside Mumbai on projects. Anand Desai is a key partner who splits his time between the two offices. Key clients on the Delhi side include Tokyo Engineering, Tata Power, Indian Oil and Crompton Greaves. Acting for South African company CONCOR on civil engineering and construction projects was a highlight. Acting for Nandi Economic Corridor Enterprises regarding finance raising for the construction of an expressway was also significant.

FoxMandal Little is active on the project financing side, particularly in the mining sector. Recent highlights include acting for a consortium of banks and financial institutions, led by Rural Electrification on the $1.14bn financing of a hydroelectric power project. Ravi Bishnoi leads the infrastructure practice.

Swarup & Company is often instructed by Indian clients in relation to overseas project investments.

A highlight for Titus & Co’s projects and energy practice was acting for Electric Power Development on a disinvestment from involvement with BPL Power Projects Private on a 520 MWcoal fired electricity plant. Also significant was acting for Zad Investment regarding investment into a power project.

Highlights for Bhasin & Co include advising Bharat Electricals, a leading public-sector company, on the contractual side of its power plant projects in Sri Lanka and Iraq.

Suchitra Chitale is a key partner in Chitale & Chitale Partners’ projects and energy practice, which focuses on construction projects work. A highlight was acting for the National Highways Authority of India on concession agreements for a road project in nearby Gurgaon. The practice also acted for New Mangalore Port Trust on the concession agreement for New Mangalore Port Trust’s development of an iron ore facility.

A highlight for Jafa & Javali was acting for ATEP and a consortium of financiers regarding the purchase of oil refinery equipment from Spice Energy, worth $1bn. Vikrant Singh Jafa heads the New Delhi practice.

O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates often acts on the M&A side of project acquisitions. Past work includes advising Jindal Drilling in relation to the purchasing of oil rigs.

Partner Anand Pathak heads the projects and energy practice at P & A Law Offices. A highlight was acting for Bombardier Transportation in its bid for several rail projects. Another key transaction was acting for Wachovia Bank regarding debt requirements for a thermal power plant.

Rajinder Narain & Co is highly regarded in the market for bank-led project finance work.

Singhania & Partners worked on a large number of electricity, rail and other infrastructure projects in 2008. Punjab State Electricity Board was a major client of the practice, for which the practice acted on three large thermal power projects. Also significant was acting for a consortium of financers regarding an INR14bn power transmission system. Dipak Rao leads the three-partner team.

KSB Partners’ work in this area focuses on project financing, with a highlight working on the $20m financing of hydro-power projects.

LexCounsel typically work on the financing and verification of agreements for coal and thermal projects. For example, it acted for DB Power concerning the bid for coal project facilities. The practice also acted for OJSC Power Machines regarding contracts for a thermal project power site. It also represented Bhaskar Group and Minecs Centre concerning agreements and contracts for respective coal projects.

Karam Daulet-Singh heads Platinum Partners’ New Delhi office, which works closely with the Mumbai office to provide legal services regarding infrastructure projects. The practice handles the full gamut of legal work relating to project financing and ventures.

A highlight for AZB & Partners was acting for HDFC Bank regarding the agreement for the construction of a building in an information technology centre, worth INR2.27bn. Another highlight was acting for Xander Investments regarding agreements relating to an INR1.25bn residential complex in Kolkata. Nohid Nooreyezdan heads the practice.

Mohit Saraf and Amaresh Singh head Luthra & Luthra’s real estate practice. The practice acted for real estate company, DLF Group, on at least three US multi-million dollar transactions in 2008. The practice also acted for Akme Projects regarding a residential construction joint venture with MPC Rhine River, worth $62m.

A highlight for Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co in 2008 was acting for TATA Realty & Infrastructure on a 100% share acquisition of subsidiaries of Unitech, including holdings of over 50 acres of land. Also significant was acting for Godrej Properties regarding a joint development of commercial retail space in January 2009, worth INR4.5bn. Inder Mohan Singh heads the New Delhi real estate practice.

Split between Mumbai and Gurgaon, J Sagar Associates is involved in structured finance for real estate projects. Based in Gurgaon, Venkatesh Prasad acted for Indiabulls Infrastructure regarding the 100% acquisition of a special purpose vehicle possessed by housing project owner DLG.

Sunil Seth is the primary partner working on real estate issues at Seth Dua & Associates’ 
‘good’ real estate team. Acting for EMAAR MGF on real estate development projects was a highlight. The practice also acted for Ansal Buildwell regarding residential projects. Also significant was acting for Pro India Investments regarding legal due diligence concerning a $163m direct investment in the Indian real estate sector.

Dua Associates acted for Sun Apollo, Kotak and JPMorgan regarding investments in the real estate sector. Neeraj Sharma and Shailendra Komatreddy are key partners in the real estate practice.

Work highlights for FoxMandal Little include advising Ascott International in relation to its joint venture with Rattha Group on construction, development, operations and management of apartment hotels. The practice also acted for Lloyds TSB in relation to their leased premises in Bangalore and Mumbai. Saroj Jha is recommended.

Titus & Co acted for CBN Multimedia in 2008 regarding due diligence and lease deeds for real estate projects, and performed due diligence and negotiated lease deeds for Danieli connected with real estate issues. Also significant was acting for CB Richard Ellies on its disinvestment from real estate company Trammel Crow Meghraj.

Assisting Delphi Automative with its acquisition of land from Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board was a highlight for Trilegal’s four-partner strong real estate practice. It also acted for Agility Logistics Private regarding the acquisition of 270 acres of land to set up warehouses. Acting for banks such as JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank on their investments into real estate projects is another side to the practice.

‘Small but effective’, Archer & Angel’s real estate practice is ‘efficient and rapid’ say clients. The practice handled due diligence and other legal aspects of the development of an adventure tourism course, on behalf of Zip Adventures and Tours Private. Real estate clients of the firm comment that leader of the practice, Srijoy Das is ‘critically important’ to their business success in India.

Bhasin & Co is experienced in acting for hospitality-sector clients on real estate and construction projects and property disputes. It has also advised companies setting up hotels in relation to the lease deeds, management and franchise contracts. Clients include The Federation of Hotels & Restaurants Association of India.

Sajit Suvarna and Satish Kishanchandani are prominent real estate partners at DSK Legal. Assisting Old Lane India Cyprus Fund regarding investments into a number of infrastructure and development projects with an aggregated value of $10m, was a highlight in 2008. The practice also acted for Kukreja Construction regarding the purchase and sale of various commercial premises.

Jafa & Javali’s Kirit Javali is a key partner in the real estate sector. Acting for Aakar Developers in the establishment of Canada Business Centre was a highlight for the practice in 2008. Also significant was acting for Ready2invest concerning investments into commercial and residential projects.

K. R. Chawla & Co’s recent highights include advising domestic real estate company Unitech in relation to joint venture matters relating to a Hyderabad development. Other clients included Israel-based Fishman.

The primary strength of KSB Partners’ real estate practice is the ‘very good’ business acumen of its lawyers. A highlight was acting for investors in multi-million dollar social and economic estate projects. It acted for a real estate fund regarding the acquisition of a special purpose vehicle. Both considered to be ‘very competent’, Srinivas Kilambi and Samir Bedi are highlighted by clients for their ‘depth of knowledge’.

Kaden Boriss Legal LLP’s real estate practice is ‘excellent on all counts’. Acting on due diligence and lease agreements for Bayer Cropscience was a significant highlight. Another key transaction was acting on due diligence matters for Nunhems India. Amiya Ranjan Nayak and Manila Munjal are partners in the practice.

Key recent transactions for Kochhar & Co’s real estate practice include acting for Cinepolis regarding the lease of premises for a multiplex. Also significant was its representation of UnitedHealth regarding the development of a software technology park.

Construction and infrastructure companies that O.P. Khaitan & Co. Solicitors and Advocates has advised in the real estate sector in 2008 and 2009 include Agni Properties and Al Rostamani over due diligence.

P H Parekh & Co strengths lie in the construction and hospitality industries, and it is experienced in advising on bulk sub-licensing of properties all over India. It is also renowned for its litigation work and handles high-end property-related disputes and arbitration work.

Vaish Associates’ expertise includes land acquisition projects, commercial lease agreements and title searches, often for Indian subsidiaries of international corporations.

Partner Atul Dua handles the majority of TMT transactions for Seth Dua & Associates. A highlight was acting for subsidiary of Orange, Equant, regarding the establishment of its call centres. The firm also acts for Verizon regarding issues relating to the provision of telecom services. It also acted to secure regulatory approval for a submarine cable system for Seacom. Also significant was acting for JCDecaux regarding the establishment of a subsidiary in India. Other key clients were Independent News & Media and Shell India Marketing.

A highlight for Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co’s TMT practice was acting for International Finance Corporation in its investment into telecommunication companies, worth $100m. The practice also acted for Aditya Birla Telecom regarding a private equity investment of $640m in December 2008.

AZB & Partners was involved in several large media-related transactions in 2008 and 2009. The practice acted for Emirates Telecommunications in its $900m acquisition of a 45% stake in Swan Telecom Private in December 2008.

Salman Waris leads FoxMandal Little’s TMT practice. A key deal for the practice in 2008 was acting for CIGNA regarding the non-compete issues following Satyam’s financial fraud. Also significant was the practice’s work for Verizon Business on regulatory issues related to the use of encryption technology.

The practice also advised a raft of clients, including Trend Micro, on licensing issues.

Hemant Sahai Associates - Advocates continued to act for Quippo Telecom in its acquisition of transmission towers in 2008. Jagdish Prasad Agarwal and Payal Chawla Singh lead the practice.

J Sagar Associates TMT work is mainly led from the Bangalore and Mumbai offices, although it has a pan-India presence. Clients include Viacom.

LexCounsel’s TMT practice is ‘responsive’ and ‘commercial’. The practice acted on the co-ordination of ProtoStar satellite, concerning radio regulations. Other significant work included advising General Electric on technology issues and Shergroup on compliance.

Link Legal is highly recommended for media and IT expertise. It advises on regulatory approvals, internet services, IT licences and software development activities.

Key clients of Luthra & Luthra’s TMT practice include Sony and Dish TV. A significant transaction for the practice was acting on behalf of Moser Baer India in multi-jurisdictional litigation concerning patent infringement and claims of $900m. The practice also advised companies such as Colt Technology Services India on obtaining IT services. Rajiv Luthra and Ameet Datta lead the team.

Pavan Duggal Associates Advocates acted for the President of India relating to misuse of his name in 2008. Other work in this area includes acting for entities such as an online mutual funds platform, on compliance issues. The firm provides specialist advice concerning mobile content, electronic tendering and digital signatures. Pavan Duggal is the go-to partner for TMT issues.

When it comes to TMT, S&R Associates offer an ‘exceptionally good level of service’. Rajat Sethi is ‘particularly good’.

Trilegal advise a range of clients on technology related law, including names such as On Mobile and Nexus Capital. Significantly, the practice negotiated and closed the agreement for Telenor regarding IT outsourcing. The practice also acted for a global telecommunications service provider regarding due diligence. Rahul Matthan, Amit Tambe and Anand Prasad are key partners in the practice.

A highlight for AZB & Partners was acting for SABMiller regarding the acquisition of shares in an offshore holding company. Another key instruction was from a private equity fund regarding tax issues related to an investment advisory set-up.

Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan is recommended for its first-class indirect tax service that also encompasses advice on customs law and WTO regulations.

Vaish Associates’ indirect tax practice is renowned in the market. Past highlights include successfully acting for PanAmSat International Systems, relating to the taxability in India of payments made by resident and non-resident TV channels to a US-based company providing satellite transmissions services.

Aseem Chawla leads Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co’s tax practice in New Delhi. The practice provided Hutchison Telecommunications with strategic tax advice relating to Vodafone’s $11.1bn buyout. The practice also acted for RABO India Finance regarding tax issues involved in establishing private equity funds of $100m.

The majority of FoxMandal Little’s tax work derives from the firms corporate and M&A practice. Recent highlights include advising American Tech on an investigation matter.

Khaitan & Co. acted for Blackstone Capital Partners on the demerger of its IT division, which included a number of tax implications. It also provided tax advice to Novavax on its partnership with Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

In 2008 and 2009, Luthra & Luthra’s tax practice advised a long list of clients including major names such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics Aerospace. Perhaps the most significant transaction the firm dealt with was acting for EPV Solar regarding tax-related matters on its funding strategy, to the tune of $1bn.

Atul Dua at Seth Dua & Associates is ‘very competent’ in tax-related matters. The practice acted for Foster’s Australia on tax issues related to shares in a Mauritius entity. It also acted for SABMiller before the Indian tax authorities in defence of allegations of withholding tax payments.

DSK Legal’s Balbir Singh specialises in tax issues. Many of the disputes the firm handles involve tax complications, such as the representation of Vardham Spinning & General Mills before the Custom, Excise & Serve Tax Appellate Tribunal. A real success for the practice was its defence of Tata Metaliks against show-case notices issued by the Central Board of Customs and Excise.

Indus G&D Law advised Chatsworth regarding tax and strategic issues related to the fund. The practice also acts for a global education service provider structuring its $50m investment into India, including several complex tax issues. Other work includes challenging government notifications regarding service tax on behalf of Vatika.

Kochhar & Co’s Sanjay Kochhar is the go-to tax partner in the Delhi office. The practice acted for companies including the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi and OGCC KazStroyService regarding tax structuring.

LexCounsel’s tax practice is ‘good on all issues’. The practice was involved with advising SSIPL Retail on service tax issues in 2008. The practice also acted on tax structuring for Chitkara Educational Trust, and issued advice to clients such as ProtoStar and Samsung Heavy Industries India.

Titus & Co acted for Sante Fe Partners on various aspects of taxation linked with its investment in the real estate sector. The group provides advice on tax benefits to clients such as Group Omnilife. Acting for Raytheon in proceedings for refunding $14m in income tax appeals was a highlight for the firm. Also significant was representing ARB in $2m tax assessment proceedings.

Atul Dua and Asheesh Bhandari lead the WTO and international trade practice at Seth Dua & Associates, which provides a ‘good’ overall service according to clients. The practice was largely focused on assisting Bryan Cave International Trade with regulatory practices concerning Boeing. The practice also acted for Plantronics regarding free trade agreements, and import and export policy.

Pan-Indian firm, Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A. Shroff & Co is experienced in advising on WTO/international trade matters relating to import-export issues, anti-dumping and duty laws.

Recommended for their strong record in tax law, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan is commended for its advice on WTO matters.

In addition to regularly advising investors on infrastructure projects, APJ- SLG Law Offices also advises on international trade laws such as anti-dumping.

Titus & Co acted for Samsung in a writ petition against an anti-dumping duty in 2008.