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March 5, 2024

Supreme Court Orders AAP to Vacate Premises for Delhi High Court Expansion

On March 4, 2024, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court ordered the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to vacate its premises in New Delhi, citing the allocation of the land for the expansion of infrastructure for the Delhi High Court.

The bench instructed AAP to vacate the property by June 15, citing the need for the allotted land to be promptly utilized for the district judiciary’s expansion. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, also directed AAP to approach the Land and Development Office to secure new office space. They requested the office to process the application and provide a decision within four weeks.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta presented arguments before the bench.

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Supreme Court Rules MPs and MLAs Not Immune to Prosecution for Bribery

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March 4, 2024

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Supreme Court Rules MPs and MLAs Not Immune to Prosecution for Bribery

Today, the Supreme Court made a significant observation stating that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) cannot seek immunity from prosecution under Article 105 and Article 194 of the Constitution when accused of accepting bribes.

A Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices AS Bopanna, MM Sundresh, PS Narasimha, JB Pardiwala, PV Sanjay Kumar, and Manoj Misra, overturned the 1998 PV Narasimha Rao judgment. In that judgment, the court had suggested that legislators are immune from prosecution even for accepting bribes to vote a certain way in a legislative house.

The bench disagreed with and overturned the majority decision of the Narasimha Rao judgment, ruling that MPs and MLAs cannot claim immunity. It emphasized that the immunity granted to legislators under Article 105(2) and 194(2) is intended to facilitate free deliberations within the legislative house, but it does not cover bribery.

The court clarified that bribery undermines integrity in public life, regardless of whether the legislator casts their vote in a certain direction or not. It emphasized that merely accepting a bribe exposes the legislator to criminal charges, without requiring any further action in response to the bribe.

This judgment stems from a case involving Sita Soren, the sister-in-law of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Sita Soren, a member of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was accused of accepting a bribe to vote for a particular candidate in the 2012 Rajya Sabha Elections. The matter reached the Supreme Court after Sita Soren appealed against the Jharkhand High Court’s decision to dismiss her plea seeking to quash the case.

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TT&A provided legal advice to Renew Group concerning the sale of a solar project located in Rajasthan.

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March 4, 2024

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TT&A provided legal advice to Renew Group concerning the sale of a solar project located in Rajasthan.

TT&A advised Renew Group on legal matters pertaining to the sale of a solar project situated in Rajasthan.

ReNew, a prominent decarbonization solutions firm, is publicly traded on Nasdaq (Nasdaq: RNW, RNWWW). As of September 30, 2023, our clean energy portfolio boasts approximately 13.8 GWs on a gross basis, making it one of the largest globally. Beyond our role as a significant independent power producer in India, we are committed to delivering comprehensive solutions in a fair and inclusive manner across clean energy domains. This includes value-added energy services facilitated by digitalization, storage solutions, and engagement in carbon markets, all crucial components in combating climate change.

The TT&A Team comprises Gautam Saha, serving as Joint Managing Partner, along with Partners Punita Gupta and Akshay Malhotra. Additionally, the team includes Associates Aditi Somani and Prakhar Srivastava.

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Saraf and Partners Relocates to Expanded Office in Bengaluru’s Embassy Square

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March 4, 2024

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Saraf and Partners Relocates to Expanded Office in Bengaluru’s Embassy Square

Saraf and Partners, a prominent full-service law firm headquartered in India, has recently moved to a larger office located in Embassy Square, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. This move, effective from February 29, 2024, underscores the firm’s ambitious plans to fortify its presence in Bengaluru and accommodate its expanding team.

The inauguration of the new premises was marked by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by the firm’s Senior Partners, amidst traditional festivities. Attended by the Management Committee, Bengaluru-based counsel, and staff, the event signified a significant milestone in the firm’s journey.

Mr. Saraf, expressing his enthusiasm, remarked, “Our transition to the new Bengaluru office signifies more than just a change in location; it embodies our commitment to growth, excellence, and enhanced client service. The new space is thoughtfully designed to promote innovation and collaboration, fostering an environment conducive to our team’s success.” This relocation closely follows the firm’s expansion into Hyderabad, underscoring Saraf and Partners’ dynamic growth trajectory and steadfast vision for the future.

With established offices in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, the firm now comprises 38 partners and a robust team of over 250 professionals. This expansion solidifies Saraf and Partners’ position as a prominent player in the Indian legal landscape, poised to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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Singhania & Partners LLP Welcomes Varun Jain as CEO to Lead Regulatory & Government Advisory Practice

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March 4, 2024

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Singhania & Partners LLP Welcomes Varun Jain as CEO to Lead Regulatory & Government Advisory Practice

Singhania & Partners LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Varun Jain as its Chief Executive Officer. Varun brings to the team over twenty years of expertise in Regulatory & Government Affairs, garnered from esteemed multinational corporations such as Google, Honeywell, Gilead, Medtronic, and Tata Consultancy Services. His extensive experience spans across heavily regulated sectors including pharmaceuticals, big tech, medical devices, and aerospace.

Varun holds Master’s degrees from the Harvard Kennedy School and the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, along with an LL.B from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. With his diverse educational background and comprehensive experience in legal, regulatory, policy advocacy, and statutory compliance, Varun is well-equipped to provide our clients with unparalleled insights and support.

In his new role, Varun will lead the Regulatory & Government Advisory Practice at the firm, focusing on shaping an enabling policy environment and managing regulatory risks for our clients. Additionally, he will also contribute to the Corporate & Commercial Practice.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Varun has dedicated over two decades to serving as a Trustee at Sanskriti Foundation, a renowned platform for art and culture in Delhi. This involvement has provided him with valuable exposure to non-profit governance, global philanthropy, CSR, ESG, and Impact investing.

We are confident that Varun’s leadership and expertise will further strengthen our firm’s capabilities and offerings, ensuring exceptional service delivery and client satisfaction.

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Supreme Court Rejects Petition for Digital Monitoring of MPs and MLAs, Emphasizes Right to Privacy

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Pratibha Shrivastava

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March 4, 2024

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Supreme Court Rejects Petition for Digital Monitoring of MPs and MLAs, Emphasizes Right to Privacy

The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud alongside Justices Manoj Misra and JB Pardiwala, has dismissed a petition that sought directives for the Centre to digitally monitor Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to enhance governance. Emphasizing the right to privacy, the bench stated, “There is something called the right to privacy,” adding, “This is only applicable to convicted felons who may evade justice… If you persist, we will impose a penalty of Rs. 5 lakhs, to be collected as land revenue. This is a matter of public concern and not about our personal pride.” The Supreme Court further clarified that the petition’s requests, such as digitally monitoring MPs and allowing policy decisions by majority votes, cannot be entertained. The petitioner was cautioned that costs would be imposed if similar pleas were made in the future.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that elected MPs often behave like rulers despite being public servants under the Representation of People Act. However, Chief Justice Chandrachud disapproved of the broad accusation, stating, “You cannot generalize against all MPs. How can individual citizens make laws in a democracy? All laws are enacted by Parliament with the participation of elected MPs. We cannot take the law into our own hands as individual citizens. Otherwise, people might argue that we don’t need judges, and decide to take justice into their own hands.” After considering the arguments, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition.

Legal Battle Erupts Over Shoe Stands at Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi

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Pratibha Shrivastava

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March 3, 2024

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Legal Battle Erupts Over Shoe Stands at Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi

An application has been submitted to the Varanasi district court, urging the defendants, which include the U.P. state and the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee (AIMC) responsible for managing the Gyanvapi Mosque, among others, to eliminate the shoe stands positioned within the Gyanvapi complex.

Kiran Singh, representing the plaintiffs of Bhagwan Adi Vishweshwar Virajman and others versus U.P. state and others, filed the plea through her legal representatives, Man Bahadur Singh and Anupam Dwivedi. Dwivedi mentioned, “The court has scheduled March 19 for the hearing.” AIMC’s Joint Secretary, S.M. Yasin, stated that their legal team would lodge an objection against the application. On Friday, AIMC members installed six shoe stands in the barricaded area surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque, placing them outside the mosque premises.“

Aarthi Sivanandh: Leading India-Taiwan Business Initiatives at AZB Law Firm

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March 3, 2024

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Aarthi Sivanandh: Leading India-Taiwan Business Initiatives at AZB Law Firm

AZB Law Firm has recently launched a Taiwan desk, aiming to provide comprehensive legal support to Indian enterprises venturing into Taiwan and Taiwanese companies seeking collaborations and business ventures in India. In a statement, the firm, which boasts a team of 600 lawyers, expressed its commitment to facilitating seamless business interactions between the two nations.

Taiwan’s proactive promotion of the ‘New Southbound Policy’ aligns with India’s ‘Look East’ policy, fostering a conducive environment for bilateral trade and investment. Recognizing the significance of this partnership, AZB is dedicated to supporting clients navigating the legal intricacies inherent in cross-border business activities.

Spearheading this initiative is Aarthi Sivanandh, who established AZB’s Chennai office and brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a nuanced understanding of the dynamics involved in operating within the Global South, Sivanandh emphasizes the importance of sound legal counsel in facilitating successful ventures between India and Taiwan.

The Taiwan desk at AZB aims to foster regional partnerships with law firms, enabling a deeper understanding of regulatory frameworks. By actively engaging with industry forums and associations, the firm seeks to build a robust network of resources to better serve its clients. Moreover, recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in facilitating smooth interactions, AZB is committed to bridging the gap between stakeholders through effective communication strategies.

In terms of industry focus, the Taiwan desk will cater specifically to sectors where Southern India plays a pivotal role. These include electronics, technology, petrochemicals, steel production, maritime transport, footwear manufacturing, automotive parts, and construction. By tailoring its services to meet the unique demands of these industries, AZB aims to become the go-to legal partner for businesses operating in the India-Taiwan corridor.

Overall, AZB’s Taiwan desk signifies a proactive approach towards fostering mutually beneficial relationships between Indian and Taiwanese enterprises. With its emphasis on legal expertise, cultural sensitivity, and industry-specific knowledge, the firm is poised to drive growth and facilitate seamless business operations in this dynamic region.

Mayuri Tiwari, formerly a Partner at Khaitan, Joins Anagram Partners

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March 1, 2024

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Mayuri Tiwari, formerly a Partner at Khaitan, Joins Anagram Partners

Mayuri Tiwari has recently become a Partner at Anagram Partners, where she brings her extensive expertise to the Disputes practice.

Graduating from Gujarat National Law University in 2010, Mayuri furthered her education with an LL.M. in International Arbitration from Columbia Law School.

With more than 13 years in the field, Mayuri specializes in dispute resolution, particularly in commercial litigation and arbitration. Her focus extends to both domestic and international arbitration cases, often dealing with diverse jurisdictions and arbitration rules.

Mayuri’s clientele spans various industries, including energy, oil & gas, healthcare, and infrastructure. She is particularly adept at handling strategic disputes involving private equity investors and those arising from joint ventures. Her advisory services also encompass cross-border disputes and arbitration-related court proceedings, with a special emphasis on matters before Indian courts.

Before joining Anagram Partners, Mayuri served as a Partner at Khaitan & Co for over a year. Her professional journey includes stints at reputable firms such as Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), and Trilegal.

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Reliance and Disney Unite Forces to Form a Mega Media Blockbuster

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February 29, 2024

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Reliance and Disney Unite Forces to Form a Mega Media Blockbuster

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and The Walt Disney Company have formally sealed a groundbreaking joint venture, merging their media juggernauts Viacom18 and Star India. Announced on February 28, this strategic alliance is poised to shape India’s most expansive media conglomerate, spanning TV broadcasting, streaming, movies, and sports.

As per the agreement, RIL will infuse ₹11,500 crore ($1.4 billion) into the joint venture, resulting in a post-transaction valuation of ₹70,352 crore ($8.5 billion). Post-merger, RIL will wield majority control with a 16.34% stake, while Viacom18 and Disney will hold 46.82% and 36.84%, respectively.

Nita M. Ambani will assume the role of Chairperson for the joint venture, with Uday Shankar as Vice Chairperson, providing strategic direction. The partnership secures exclusive distribution rights for Disney films and access to over 30,000 Disney content assets, presenting a comprehensive entertainment offering to Indian consumers.

Mukesh D Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, expressed his excitement, noting, “This landmark agreement heralds a new era in the Indian entertainment industry.” Disney CEO Bob Iger echoed this sentiment, underscoring the vast opportunities in India, the world’s most populous market.

Uday Shankar, Co-founder of Bodhi Tree Systems, emphasized the commitment to delivering exceptional value. The joint venture aspires to shape the future of entertainment in India, aligning with the vision of making Digital India a global exemplar, championed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

In response to the announcement, Reliance’s share price experienced a modest dip, settling at ₹2,915, yet maintaining a year-to-date gain of over 12%. The collaboration between Reliance and Disney is set to redefine India’s media landscape, offering a diverse portfolio of digital services and entertainment content to consumers nationwide.