Chadha & Co

India

Analysis

Overview

Chadha & Co is a dynamic law firm with a reputation for providing innovative and pragmatic legal solutions. Headquartered in New Delhi, the firm's expertise spans a diverse range of practice areas, including corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, labour and employment, and more. Its client base spans SMEs to international Fortune 500 companies from all business sectors, such as automotive, food and beverage, and hardware and electronics. The firm combines deep local knowledge with an international outlook, serving clients from diverse industries such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, technology, shipping and manufacturing. The partners are involved in every matter, working for the client in a hands-on manner to ensure high-quality delivery throughout. A unique offering is that the firm has several foreign desks with Japanese and European staff. 

At the helm of the firm is managing partner Rahul Chadha, who leads a talented team of lawyers. Chadha is widely respected for his strategic acumen in handling complex transactions, government policy matters, and regulatory challenges across various industry sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, BFSI and healthcare. 

The firm’s corporate and M&A practice is spearheaded by Chadha and Neeraj Prakash, who have successfully guided several high-profile joint venture formations and cross-border M&A deals. Thea team has a track record of advising prominent multinational clients, especially Japanese and European companies, on complex cross-border transactions and regulatory challenges. For instance, the firm played a key role in helping a Japanese industrial compressor manufacturer enter the Indian market through a joint venture, combining advanced technology with local expertise to produce and market products regionally and globally. Similarly, they are advising a Japanese pharmaceutical and synthetic resin manufacturer in a joint venture to expand manufacturing capabilities in India. 

In the dispute resolution arena, partner Savita Sarna has showcased her prowess in handling intricate commercial disputes and international arbitration cases. She represented the Japan International Cooperation Agency in a writ petition before the Madras High Court, successfully defending the legality of the eligibility criteria set forth in a loan agreement with the Indian government. Sarna also led the firm's efforts in contesting a declaratory suit filed to set aside a fraudulent transfer of immovable property, involving complex cross-border insolvency issues. 

Sarna additionally spearheads the firm's labour and employment practice. The team routinely offers comprehensive advice to multinational clients on a wide range of matters, including employee termination, gratuity payments, and compliance with Indian labour laws. Her team has also conducted training sessions for clients on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, ensuring their policies and practices adhere to the relevant regulations. 

Chadha & Co combines strategic legal insight with practical execution, supporting clients through cross-border deals, regulatory hurdles, litigation, and workforce management challenges. Its strong presence in New Delhi and expertise in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters makes the firm a trusted partner for both Indian and international businesses operating in India.

Labour and employment

Work highlights

Conducting a thorough investigation for a foreign client into allegations regarding the violation of company policies and applicable laws, ensuring compliance and addressing stakeholder concerns. 

Advised an Italian public entity on the Indian labour law framework concerning employee accidents and injuries, facilitating a better understanding of regulatory obligations and potential liabilities. 

Successfully represented a medtech company in settling a labour dispute raised by a former employee regarding non-settlement of dues.

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Representing the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in a writ of certiorari filed before the Madras High Court, challenging the legality of certain clauses in the JICA Loan Agreement.  

Acting for an individual client to contest a declaratory suit involving a fraudulent transfer of immovable property under the Transfer of Property Act. This case aims to secure the rights of creditors in a bankruptcy context, showcasing the firm's expertise in complex legal matters. 

Advised a ship management company in a dispute raised by a former employee, claiming service dues before an Indian court.

Corporate and M&A

Work highlights

Advised a Japanese compressor manufacturer in establishing a joint venture with an Indian partner to manufacture and sell screw compressor packages. This strategic partnership aims to leverage both companies' strengths in the industrial refrigeration sector. 

Acted for an offshore chemical producer on a joint venture with an Indian partner to manufacture synthetic resin compounds. 

Conducted a comprehensive due diligence for Tinubu Square regarding its asset purchase agreement involving multi-jurisdictions, including India and the US.  

Key clients

Agardsdotter & Co., Ciena International, Denso, DFS Group, DIAB, DSM Nutritional Products, Electronic Arts, GE Industrial Systems, Hitachi, Honda, Italferr, JETRO, JICA, Kawasaki, Kiabi, Kobelco, L’Occitane, Long Arc Capital, BASF Group, Mitre, Mitsubishi Corporation, NSG, OPPO, Panasonic, Pinkerton, Roland, Sacyr, Savills, DB Schenker, SEB, Securitas, Shindengen, Skyworth, STMicroelectronics, Sumitomo Electric, Talgo, Toyota Material Handling, Vestergaard, William Grant & Sons