Dhir & Dhir Associates

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Varsha Banerjee

Varsha Banerjee is a Partner in Dhir & Dhir’s litigation practice. She has more than 16 years of post-qualification experience in dispute resolution and litigation. She specialises in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws, Shareholder Disputes, Securitisation, and Commercial Transactions. She regularly appears and represents parties before various Courts and forums. Varsha has advised a significant number of companies, banks/financial institutions, other creditors, promoters, resolution professionals, resolution applicants, and other stakeholders to identify and adopt the most suitable approach to navigate complex legal outcomes and strategies related to corporate insolvency, personal insolvency, and the restructuring process. She is also an active member of INSOL India and the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC). Varsha frequently authors articles and has penned numerous pieces in the areas of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws, Shareholder Disputes, Securitisation, and Commercial Transactions, which have been published by many leading legal publications. She is also a regular panellist and appears on various platforms to engage in insightful discussions on legal issues. Varsha has been consistently ranked by leading legal institutions: “Notable Practitioner” – Asia Law (2024 Edition) “Leading Lawyer” – Legal Era (2024 Edition) “Future Star – Insolvency” – Benchmark Litigation (2024 Edition)

Karan Batura is a Partner at Dhir & Dhir Associates with over 15 years of experience in handling complex commercial litigation matters. He is a qualified Advocate-on-Record with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, and specializes in matters across India involving contractual disputes, banking & finance, insolvency, civil, and arbitration disputes. In addition to being involved in several major litigation matters, Karan is also proficient in handling Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) cases. He places strong emphasis on client handling, which he considers one of the most essential aspects of legal practice and continues to hone as a core strength. Karan regularly appears before a wide array of judicial and quasi-judicial authorities, including: Supreme Court of India High Courts across India National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) National Green Tribunal (NGT) National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) District Courts Arbitral Tribunals He has represented a wide spectrum of clients including large corporate groups, consortiums of lenders, and individuals in various corporate and commercial litigations, disputes, and insolvency matters. Several of the matters he has handled are widely reported and regarded as leading cases in their respective domains.

Poonam Bisht is the Partner & Chief Executive Officer of Dhir & Dhir Associates, one of the highly reputed law firms in India. With a long-standing commitment and association with the firm for over two decades, Poonam has brought in organic growth both internally and externally through her in-depth understanding of critical aspects of law firm management. She has played an instrumental role in building robust systems and processes across various firm functions. She spearheads the firm’s operations and focuses on management, strategic communications, finance, practice development, IT, and more. Poonam works closely with lawyers and clients to understand their legal requirements and professional aspirations, helping to create business opportunities. Over the years, she has successfully assisted Managing Partners and Partners on several strategic and financial initiatives, enabling the firm to scale its growth trajectory. Since taking on the CEO’s role, she has introduced several successful working models. She is widely recognized for transforming the firm’s managerial and strategic functions. Under her leadership, the firm has implemented technology-driven processes, aligned with best practices, and developed a growth roadmap with a strong focus on delivering expert and practical client solutions. In addition to her operational responsibilities, Poonam ensures a conducive work environment where professionals are motivated to deliver high-quality services efficiently. She is actively involved in acquiring and retaining talent, motivating professionals, and aligning team aspirations with the firm’s vision. She keeps the team informed about new laws and amendments, especially relevant in India’s rapidly evolving economic and legal landscape. Poonam also serves as the Presiding Officer of the firm’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), established under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Additionally, she is an External Member of the POSH Committee of a major aerospace manufacturing company.

Alok Dhir, a chartered accountant & a renowned lawyer, has extensive experience of four decades in corporate commercial and civil law with special focus on Corporate and Financial Restructuring, Insolvency Laws, Takeovers, M&A, Banking Law, Real Estate, PE transactions, turning around of financially stressed entities in the country and issues related to Asset Reconstruction & Securitization. He started the practice of insolvency in the early 80s when distress asset advisory was practically unknown in the Indian context. He was a part of the development of Insolvency laws in the country and steered the legislative/regulatory changes in the same with the promulgation of SICA 1985, RDDB & FI Act 1993, SARFAESI Act 2002 and the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2016. In 1985, when SICA was promulgated, he single-handedly assisted the Board for Industrial & Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) in drafting the regulatory framework. His name became synonymous with BIFR as the firm used to handle almost 2/3rd of all cases referred to BIFR. He is an innovative lawyer having strong legal & commercial acumen. He is a veteran in the industry, providing creative solutions and developing complex structures for achieving resolution for stakeholders in corporate and commercial insolvencies and M&A transactions. He is a leading legal counsel and represents a diverse client base before various Tribunals, Courts, High Courts and Supreme Court of India. He is one of the first few Insolvency Professionals registered under the IBC 2016. He has founded IRR Insolvency Professionals Private Limited which is the first IPE licensed by the IBBI and also promoted one of the first private sector ARC licensed by RBI which is involved in the acquisition and resolution of toxic assets in India with an exemplary track record. He is actively involved with regulators and the Govt. in devising mechanisms for Cross Border legislation, Group Insolvency, Personal Insolvency, etc. He was appointed as a member of Working Group constituted to strategize the approach for implementing the IBC and drafting rules and regulation for Corporate Guarantors and Individuals with businesses and also served as a member of the Grievance Redressal Committee with ICSI Insolvency Professionals Agency. He was also the Treasurer of INSOL India from 2016 to 2023. He has been bestowed with many awards and has received various accolades for his myriad contribution across the field of insolvency laws. He has been consistently recognized as the leading lawyer for ‘Restructuring & Insolvency’ in the country by most credited rankings for legal services globally including being featured as an exceptional lawyer in ‘The A-List: India’s top 100 lawyers’ by India Business Law Journal. He has also been featured in Forbes India. He was also bestowed the ‘Hall of Fame’ recognition by Legal 500. He is a prominent authority and often invited as an expert to speak in various conferences, seminars and webinars. He is widely covered in the news of most mainstream media to share his views on ongoing cases and development of the Insolvency laws in the country.

Maneesha Dhir is a highly reputed litigation lawyer with over three decades of expertise in handling a wide range of cases in Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency, Commercial Litigation, Arbitration (Domestic & International), Telecom, and M&A. She represents a diverse client base including business houses, MNCs, banks/FIs, PSUs, and Central and State Governments, Ministries, and Departments before the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, and various other Courts, Tribunals, and Appellate bodies. She has served as a member on several key committees responsible for framing rules and regulations relating to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) / National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) and for drafting the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016. She was also Secretary of INSOL India from 2008 to 2015 and a member of the Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee (BLRC) which drafted the structure of the new IBC. She was part of the Achutan Committee (SEBI) for advising on the Takeover Code and a member of the Bimal Jalan Committee, set up by SEBI to examine ownership and governance of Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs). She also contributed to the committee set up to amend the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959, and Company Secretaries Act, 1980 to strengthen the disciplinary mechanisms of the professional institutes. She is widely acclaimed for her work in the Telecom sector, both in regulatory matters and litigation. As Senior Counsel for the Department of Telecom (DoT), she represented the Government of India in complex telecom licensing and 3G spectrum litigation. She was appointed as Special Counsel by the Office of the Custodian and MCA in high-profile matters such as Satyam Computers, Maytas Infra, Maytas Properties, Sahara India, and Ketan Parekh & Companies before various forums including the CLB, High Court, and Supreme Court. She served as Panel Advocate / Central Government Pleader at the Delhi High Court, and was also Senior Panel Counsel for the Union of India, appointed by the Ministry of Law and Justice. She has been Standing Counsel for BSNL and Retainer Counsel with TRAI. Maneesha has been bestowed with numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions, including: ‘National Bar Award’ by All India Bar Association ‘Lawyer of the Year – Insolvency & Restructuring (2023-24)’ by Legal Era ‘Managing Partner of the Year (Female) 2023’ by The Economic Times ‘ESG Law Firm of the Year - Legal Leader Awards 2024’ by BW Businessworld ‘Woman Lawyer of the Year 2020’ by Public Diplomacy Forum She has been ranked among India’s Top 15 Dispute Resolution Lawyers by Asian Legal Business and recently recognized as ‘Highly Regarded – Women Leader 2024’ by IFLR1000. She is also ranked as: ‘Recognised Practitioner’ – Chambers & Partners ‘Distinguished Practitioner’ – AsiaLaw Profiles ‘Litigation Star’ – Benchmark Litigation Maneesha is a regular speaker at global conferences on Insolvency Laws, Arbitration, AI, and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB). She has conducted multiple study circles on IBC at the Delhi High Court and delivered guest lectures at law schools and professional institutions. She regularly contributes articles to leading legal publications and is the author of the book “AI For Good: India & Beyond”. She also contributed the India Chapter of the Global Legal Insights – IPO Guide published by the Global Legal Group in April 2024. Beyond her professional commitments, she actively supports social causes, conducts pro bono matters, and advises the Rural Medicare Centre, which provides advanced healthcare at affordable costs.

Sachin Gupta heads the Corporate Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice of the Firm as a Senior Partner, with a prime focus on complex civil & commercial litigation and arbitration matters. Sachin graduated as an engineer and thereafter completed his degree in Law. He has immense exposure in the field of corporate commercial law. His areas of expertise include: Rehabilitation of distressed entities Shareholders’ dispute resolution Equity and debt-related issues Recovery of debts and securitisation-related matters Bidding and commercial disputes arising from contractual matters He handles matters before the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, Tribunals, and other quasi-judicial and alternate dispute resolution forums. He also provides consultancy, opinions, and strategic advice to clients for managing litigation. Sachin has advised clients in a broad range of litigation matters related to: Commercial contracts Shareholder agreements Oppression and mismanagement Winding-up proceedings White-collar crimes Amalgamation and restructuring of companies He appears in both trial and appellate courts, including handling writ litigations. In addition, he handles Real Estate litigation, including: Specific performance of contracts for sale Breach of lease terms Disputes arising out of Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) Sachin frequently contributes to legal scholarship and has authored numerous articles in the areas of Restructuring & Insolvency, Banking & Finance, Civil & Commercial Laws, Dispute Resolution, and Litigation & Arbitration. His work has been published in several leading legal publications. He has been consistently recognized by leading international legal directories: “Notable Practitioner” – AsiaLaw (2024 Edition) “Highly Regarded” – IFLR1000 (2024 Edition) “Leading Lawyer” – Legal Era (2024 Edition) “Litigation Star – Commercial and Transactions” – Benchmark Litigation (2024 Edition)

Guranpreet Singh Sarna

Guranpreet Sarna is a Partner with the Firm and has 18 years of experience, providing corporate legal advisory in transactions related to Projects and Infrastructure, Project Finance and Capital Market. Apart from being a part of some major Infrastructure projects, he is proficient in EPC/ PPP projects. Guranpreet has closed more than 100 transactions in Project Developments, Project Financing, Real Estate, Projects and Infra, including advisory on Engineering, Procurement and Construction projects. Guranpreet has been consistently recognized as “Next Generation Partner” by Legal 500 (Asia Pacific Edition 2025), “Next Generation Partner” by Legal 500 (Asia Pacific Edition 2024), Legal 500 (Asia Pacific Edition 2023) and Legal 500 (Asia Pacific Edition 2022) in “Real Estate and Construction” and “Rising Star” in “Real Estate and Construction” by Legal 500 (Asia Pacific Edition 2020). He has also been recognized as “Rising Star Partner” in “Project Development” by IFLR 1000 (Edition 2024) and “Rising Star” in “Project Development” by IFLR 1000 (Edition 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022). He has been honored and recognized as ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in Leaders League (2024 Edition in Banking & Finance and M&A). He has been recognized as the “Gennext Leading Lawyers” (2024) in the Real Estate and Construction by the Legal Era. He has assisted clients such as Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), REC Limited (REC), India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC), India Infradebt, and PTC Financial Services Limited (PFS) on their projects and project financing transactions. He has in-depth experience in the Capital Market, which is another promising practice area of Dhir & Dhir Associates and has been part of public issues of tax free bonds for National Housing Bank, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, IFCI Limited and NHPC Limited for an approximate amount of 23000 crore, respectively. He is currently working on many SME IPO’s. Guranpreet has authored many articles in the area of “Banking & Finance, Real Estate & Capital Markets”, which have been published by many leading legal publications. He is also a regular panellist & appears on various platforms, engaging in insightful discussions on legal issues.

Shikha Singh is an Associate Partner with the firm in the Corporate Advisory practice. Her core expertise lies in Banking & Finance and Project Finance transactions, particularly in the Renewable Energy sector. Her work encompasses: Corporate and project due diligence Land due diligence Legal documentation for financing and security creation Downselling, assignment, and novation of debt Issuance of closing opinions on enforceability of financing documents Structuring transactions involving co-obligors Advising on group captive project status Coordination and negotiation with foreign legal counsel Advising on regulatory approvals, including Authorized Bank’s approval for pledge by foreign entities Shikha actively advises borrowers as legal counsel for availing financial assistance from banks, PSUs, and financial institutions. She is also proficient in general corporate transactions, including vetting of legal documents. In addition, she has experience in real estate funding, which includes: Corporate due diligence Loan and debenture documentation Security and financing agreements She has assisted in capital market transactions, including public issues of tax-free bonds for: National Housing Bank (NHB) India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) IFCI Limited NHPC Limited She was also part of the team advising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Development Fund (SDF) on legal frameworks and loan documentation for lending operations under its Economic and Infrastructure Window across member countries. Shikha has received multiple recognitions: “Leading Associate” – Legal 500 (Asia Pacific Edition 2025) “Rising Star – Banking & Finance” – Legal 500 (Asia Pacific Editions 2024 & 2023) “Rising Star – Project Development” – IFLR1000 (2024 & 2023 Editions) She has advised clients including: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) REC Limited (REC) National Housing Bank (NHB) India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) India Infradebt PTC Financial Services Limited (PFS) Shikha frequently contributes articles and has authored several publications in the areas of Banking & Finance, Project Finance, Real Estate, and Capital Markets, featured in leading legal publications.

Dr. Sonal is a well-acclaimed professional known for his work in regulatory and compliance programs over the past decade. He has worked with over 1800 clients in India and 61 globally, including the top three unicorns and numerous Fortune 500 companies. His clientele spans across a wide range of industries, including: Automotive and OEMs Pharma and Life Sciences Manufacturing Chemical Industry BFSI Infrastructure and Utilities (including state-owned PSUs) e-Commerce and Fintech Diversified Conglomerates Dr. Sonal has led multi-million-dollar mandates for pan-global accounts, offering clients deep insights into legal intricacies, potential risks, compliance impact, and proactive de-risking strategies. He began his career in-house at Barclaycard HQ in Northampton, UK, and later held a senior position at a leading Big 4 firm, specializing in legal risk transformation projects. Enrolled with the Bar of Maharashtra & Goa since 2007, Dr. Sonal holds a Doctorate in Law and has pursued several advanced certifications, including: Harvard Mentor Program Strategy & Sustainability – IIM Bangalore Regulatory Compliance Specialization – University of Pennsylvania Data Ethics, AI & Responsible Innovation – University of Edinburgh He currently leads India’s first ESG Practice at Dhir & Dhir Associates. At the intersection of business and law, he integrates legal counsel with technology to drive effective change management in the ESG transformation journey. Dr. Sonal, along with Ms. Maneesha Dhir, co-authored “AI FOR GOOD – INDIA AND BEYOND”, a best-seller on Amazon India. He has also authored five other books, including: A Legal Guide to Capital Raising in the European Union (2009, available on Amazon-Mobipocket until 2016) Four academic law books for University of Mumbai (Mannan Prakashan) between 2000 and 2005 He serves on the Board of Studies for NMIMS School of Law (since 2014) and continues to contribute actively to academia. Dr. Sonal frequently writes on ESG and his articles have been published by leading legal publications. A regular panellist and speaker, he often appears on various platforms, including the prestigious TED Talk, engaging in insightful discussions on law, compliance, ESG, and AI.