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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

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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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.

Former Supreme Court Justice AM Khanwilkar Appointed as New Lokpal Chairperson by President of India

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On Tuesday, President of India Draupadi Murmu appointed former Supreme Court Justice AM Khanwilkar as the new chairperson of the Lokpal. The official announcement was made via a press release on the President’s official website, which also detailed the appointment of six other members to the anti-corruption body.

The newly appointed judicial members include Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi. Additionally, Sushil Chandra, Pankaj Kumar, and Ajay Tirkey have been appointed as other members.

The decision to appoint Justice Khanwilkar as the new Lokpal was reached during a high-level committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013, the Lokpal’s mandate includes investigating allegations of corruption against public officials falling under its jurisdiction.

Currently, Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, is serving as the acting chairperson of the Lokpal.

Supreme Court’s Hammer Falls: Ban on Patanjali Ayurved’s Misleading Medicine Advertisements

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The Supreme Court issued an interim order on Tuesday, placing a ban on advertisements for medicines produced by Patanjali Ayurved. The case, titled Indian Medical Association & Anr vs Union of India and Ors, was heard by a bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah.

The court stated that Patanjali has been deceiving the public with misleading claims about the efficacy of its medicines in curing certain diseases, despite lacking empirical evidence to support these assertions.

Consequently, the court directed Patanjali to cease all advertising and marketing of medicinal products that claim to treat specific ailments, as outlined in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act. Moreover, the court issued a contempt of court notice to Patanjali’s founders, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, for disregarding previous court orders by persisting in disseminating false and misleading information regarding the curative properties of their products.

Balkrishna holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at Patanjali. The court also reprimanded the Central government for failing to address misleading advertisements, despite a petition concerning the matter being filed in 2022. Expressing frustration, the court remarked on the nationwide impact of the issue and questioned the government’s inaction over a period of two years, especially when the Drugs Act explicitly prohibits such practices.

 

Royzz & Co. Announces Muthu Pandi’s Promotion to Partner: A Testament to Dedication and Expertise

Royzz & Co. proudly announces the promotion of Muthu Pandi to the esteemed position of Partner within the firm.

With a background in Electrical Engineering and Law, alongside being a registered Patent Agent, Pandi brings a unique blend of expertise to his role. He has been an integral part of Royzz & Co. for nine years, during which he has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill.

As the leader of Royzz & Co.’s Patent team and the manager of the Chennai office, Pandi has played a pivotal role in handling patent matters across various jurisdictions, including the USPTO and EPO. His meticulous approach to drafting patent applications has led to the successful granting of over 100 patents, showcasing his proficiency in navigating complex patent systems and securing approvals.

Moreover, Pandi’s contributions extend beyond patent drafting, as he actively supports the litigation and dispute resolution team in cases involving technology and scientific matters.

Mahua Roy Chowdhury, Founding Partner of Royzz & Co., expressed,

”Muthu is one of the few self-motivated professionals I have come across, in my experience of 27 + years. I am proud to mentor him and witness his growth from an Associate to a Partner and feel it is my personal achievement as a Mentor.”

Verdict Unveiled: Allahabad High Court’s Ruling on Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute

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The Allahabad High Court declined the petition brought forth by Muslim parties contesting a Varanasi court’s decision permitting Hindu groups to conduct prayers and rituals in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi Mosque. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal delivered the ruling after the single-judge reserved judgment on February 15.

The plea was initiated by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee in opposition to a district court order from January 31, which sanctioned Hindu religious activities in the mosque’s southern cellar.

This order came amid an ongoing civil court dispute concerning conflicting assertions regarding the religious nature of the Gyanvapi compound. One of the contentions from the Hindu side is that Hindu prayers were previously conducted in the mosque’s cellar by the family of Somnath Vyas until 1993, purportedly halted by the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government.

The Muslim party disputes this claim, affirming continuous possession of the mosque. The primary disagreement concerning the Gyanvapi compound centers on the Hindu argument that a segment of an ancient temple on the site was demolished during Aurangzeb’s rule in the 17th century, thus demanding the right to worship within the complex. Conversely, the Muslim party contends that the mosque predates Aurangzeb’s era and has undergone alterations over time.

Yum Restaurants (India) Private Limited Sells Stake in Devyani International

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JSA advised Yum Restaurants (India) Private Limited in the sale of its entire 4.4% shareholding in Devyani International Limited through an on-market block deal for USD 105 million.

Yum! Restaurants (India) Private Limited, part of the Yum! Brands family, stands out as a prominent company in the chicken, pizza, and Mexican-style food sectors, operating through a franchise model for well-known brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.

Devyani International Limited holds a significant position as one of India’s major operators of quick-service restaurants and serves as one of the leading franchisees for Yum Brands, managing KFC and Pizza Hut outlets in India.

The deal was led by senior JSA partners, Shivpriya Nanda and Madhurima Mukherjee Saha, along with  partner Gaurav G Arora, Principal Associate Shivali Singh, and Junior Associate Aditi Richa Tiwary.

Nurturing Constitutional Vigilance: CJI Chandrachud’s Call at South Asian Courts Conference

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Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud emphasized the pivotal role played by Election Commissions and Supreme Courts in the operation of Constitutional mechanisms and institutions within the Constitutional framework. Addressing the South Asian Constitutional Courts conference in Bangladesh, CJI Chandrachud underscored the importance of these institutions rising to the occasion during moments of ambiguity and uncertainty.

In his keynote address, CJI Chandrachud asserted that unlike statutes such as the Income Tax Act, the legitimacy of the governance institution relies on the effective functioning of bodies like the Supreme Court and Election Commission. He called for these institutions to respond adeptly to situations marked by uncertainty and ambiguity.

Highlighting the need for a comparative constitutional process among the higher judiciary in South Asia, CJI Chandrachud suggested that such interactions would enhance the testing of laws in the context of neighboring countries. He emphasized the significance of recognizing public spaces as areas where discrimination occurs, considering the cultural context. Additionally, he stressed the importance of courts demonstrating a commitment to inclusion and diversity.

CJI Chandrachud commended the dialogues between courts in South Asian countries, describing them as a testament to the judicial camaraderie they share. He pointed out how these exchanges help contextualize constitutional histories, especially in overcoming the graded inequalities entrenched in the colonial legal system.

The Chief Justice spoke about the transformative impact of democracy and the rule of law on the growth of both India and Bangladesh. Reflecting on the framing of the Indian Constitution, he noted that its adoption did not immediately eliminate inequality. He highlighted the role of the Constitution in recognizing citizens’ rights and establishing writs-issuing courts to address legitimate concerns. In conclusion, CJI Chandrachud expressed gratitude for the invitation, concluding with the sentiments “Joy Bangla, Jai Hind.” The event was attended by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Supreme Court Introduces Ayurvedic Wellness Center for Staff

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In a groundbreaking move, the Supreme Court of India has expanded its offerings beyond legal adjudication to include Ayurvedic treatments. This initiative aims to provide holistic wellness services, ranging from Panchakarma therapies to Ayurvedic massages, to everyone from justices to clerks and lawyers, all for a nominal registration fee of ₹10.

This wellness center has been established in collaboration with the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), located in Delhi. It marks the first Ayush Holistic Wellness Center within the Supreme Court premises, offering a wide range of Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, as well as free medicinal supplies to its beneficiaries.

Vaidya Tanuja Nesari, Director of AIIA, highlighted the joint effort between the Supreme Court of India and AIIA under the Ayush Ministry to launch this center. The aim is to provide comprehensive care focusing on physical, mental, and emotional health to all visiting dignitaries and court employees. AIIA has previously established similar integrated centers at notable locations including Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, IIT Delhi, and in Goa.

The center was inaugurated on February 22 by Chief Justice of India, Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, and the Minister of Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, with the presence of Dr. Munjapara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai, Minister of State for Women and Child Development.

During the inauguration, CJI Chandrachud shared a personal anecdote about his experience with Ayurvedic medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its effectiveness and his decision to rely on it over allopathic treatments during subsequent COVID-19 infections. He expressed his concern for the well-being of over 2000 Supreme Court staff members and their families, underscoring the importance of providing them with access to similar wellness facilities