Chandhiok & Mahajan

Number of partners: 18

Number of Counsels: 3

Number of lawyers: 100

Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil

Firm Overview:

The firm is a leading full-service law firm in India, offering high-quality and bespoke legal services across various practice areas. With extensive experience in both domestic and international markets, the firm supports some of the largest domestic and global corporations, government organisations, restructuring and insolvency specialists, financial institutions, private equity and venture capital funds, and promoter groups.

Clients describe the firm as incisive, innovative, and responsive. It consistently strives to exceed client expectations, with teams known for their high-quality output, creative mindset, and meticulous attention to detail.

The firm's ethos is centered on providing the most feasible solutions to clients, mobilised through a collaborative approach where attorneys leverage cross-functional perspectives to help clients achieve their goals.

Main Areas of Practice

Antitrust & Competition

Recognized as a market leader in India, the firm has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's Competition Law landscape. It has represented clients in high-profile and groundbreaking proceedings before the Competition Commission of India (CCI), National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), various High Courts, and the Supreme Court of India.

Work Highlights:

• Representing Google LLC, Alphabet Inc., and associated entities in a matter concerning Play Store’s monetization model and service fees.
• Represented JCB Limited and JCB India Pvt. Ltd. before the CCI and the Delhi High Court in an inquiry regarding allegations of abuse of dominant position.
• Successfully represented Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. in obtaining a stay in Amazon and Flipkart investigations before the CCI and various High Courts.
• Representing JSW Steel in multiple matters before the CCI, including securing the fastest long-form approval for the JSW & JFE Steel acquisition of thyssenkrupp’s GOES manufacturing plant in India.

Restructuring and Insolvency

The firm is a preeminent R&I law firm in India, known for its deep expertise and ability to deliver practical and thorough advice within short turnaround times. The practice seamlessly integrates advisory services with litigation and dispute resolution, covering the full spectrum of R&I services. The firm advises creditors, resolution professionals, liquidators, investors, and debtors on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Work Highlights:

• Advising the Consortium of Mr. Murari Lal Jalan and Mr. Florian Fritsch in the resolution of Jet Airways, with claims valued at approximately US$2 billion.
• Representing the Resolution Professional of Future Enterprises Limited in tracing assets worth US$350 million and restructuring claims exceeding US$1.5 billion.
• Advising the Resolution Professional of Siti Networks Limited on legal issues and litigations in the restructuring of claims exceeding US$280 million.

Disputes (Litigation & Arbitration)

The firm’s dispute resolution practice encompasses litigation, arbitration, regulatory matters, and advisory services. Its highly experienced team represents a broad spectrum of clients, including multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals, public sector enterprises, funds, and think tanks. The firm is particularly known for its expertise in high-value multi-jurisdictional arbitrations and corporate litigations.

Work Highlights:

• Represented Emaar India Limited in a dispute concerning prime land in Gurugram.
• Advised Patna Highways Projects Limited in disputes arising out of a construction contract.
• Successfully defended Hindupur Solar Park Private Limited before the Supreme Court against an appeal filed by DISCOM.

Corporate Commercial

The corporate team provides comprehensive, customized, and financially sound solutions across the entire gamut of corporate matters. The practice has experienced rapid growth and collaborates with industry leaders to address complex legal challenges.

Work Highlights:

• Advised Clariant on a 51-49 joint venture with India Glycols Limited, involving the carve-out of an existing chemicals business.
• Represented Indorama Ventures Limited in setting up a 50-50 joint venture in the PET sector.
• Advised Sai Global India Fund I, LLP on its USD 18 million investment in AppsforBharat, a faith-tech company.
• Assisted Radiohead Brands Private Limited in multiple fundraising transactions.

Capital Markets and Securities Law

The firm's Capital Markets team comprises experienced professionals who focus on all aspects of transactions to ensure long-term resolution. The team advises on securities market transactions, capital raising, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance for listed and unlisted entities.

Work Highlights:

• Prospectus filing for DAM Capital Advisors Limited.
• Fast Track Rights Issue for Geojit Financial Services Limited.
• DRHP Filing for Solar World Energy Solutions Limited.
• QIP transactions for multiple companies, including Sky Gold Limited and Shakti Pumps (India) Limited.

Privacy & Data Protection

The firm provides comprehensive legal advice in the evolving landscape of information technology and privacy laws. The practice assists clients with regulatory compliance, data protection, cybersecurity, and implementation of privacy policies.

Work Highlights:

• Advising InMobi and Glance’s Global Data Privacy Office on privacy audits, compliance, and product go-live enablement.
• Assisting FinBox with SaaS agreements, data protection addendums, and ongoing compliance.
• Advising Binder Dijker Otte (BDO) on onboarding third-party service providers for personal data processing.
• Providing guidance to Tata Consumer Products Limited on contractual safeguards for privacy law compliance.

Aviation

The firm’s aviation practice covers restructuring, leasing, financing, sales, purchases, and dispute resolution. The team represents lessors, airlines, operators, and investors, offering solution-oriented and commercially viable legal support.

Work Highlights:

• Advising Global Jet Capital on leasing a new Gulfstream 280 aircraft.
• Assisted an Irish lessor in novating aircraft leases from Air India to Air India Express.
• Represented the Jalan-Fritsch Consortium in forums related to Jet Airways' resolution plan.
• Advised on multiple sale and purchase transactions involving business jets.

Real Estate

We advise marquee clients across the real estate sector on a wide range of matters, including land due diligence, acquisitions, joint development and collaboration agreements, leasing and licensing, financing, and regulatory advisory. Our practice has a strong focus on hospitality projects, where we regularly advise on hotel developments, resort and mixed-use assets, operator agreements, brand tieups, and regulatory clearances.