Advaita Legal

Advaita Legal has particular expertise in handling PPP projects, bid advisory, regulatory advisory, and disputes relevant to the energy sector. Its disputes practice continues to gain traction in the rankings and moves up this year, alongside the debuts of the firm’s presence in the aviation and corporate and M&A tables. The firm is well-versed in aerospace and aviation matters, with consistent government-side representation. Firm principal Monali Dutta has diverse experience in dispute resolution, labour and employment, energy, and aviation. Partner Shailendra Singh is an energy and regulatory specialist.

Aviation

Work highlights

Advised the Airport Authority of India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation in preparation of a model concession agreement for greenfield airports.

Representing the Airport Authority of India in preparation and vetting of bid documents for the purpose of selecting new ground handling service agency at various airports across India.

Construction

Work highlights

Represented Ranchi Smart City Corporation on its bid to develop a smart city project during an auction process on an EPC basis.

Key clients

Belectric Group, Shapoorji Group, Vestas

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advising Siemens Gasema in relation to the petition filed by PGCIL seeking preferential allotment of connectivity to the selected bidders in the Solar Energy Corporation of India auction.

Key clients

Belectric Group, GMR Warora Energy, ONGC, Petronet, Shapoorji Pallonji Group

Energy

Work highlights

Successfully represented GMR Power Corporation in a high stakes regulatory litigation against Tamil Nadu General and Distribution Corporation, first in front of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission and then from the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity.

Advising Essar Power Transmission Company to counter a challenge on the client’s grant of an inter-state transmission licence.

Key clients

ONGC, Petronet, Tata Power Delhi Distribution

Infrastructure

Work highlights

Advising Access Health International in relation to development, operation and maintenance of primary and community health care centres in Uttar Pradesh.

Acted for the Inland Waterways Authority of India to develop an asset management and operational framework for the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system from Haldia to Allahabad, National Waterway-1.

Key clients

Gwalior Smart City Development, Indian Port Rail Corporation, Nashik Municipal Corporation

Regulatory

Work highlights

Advised Renew Power Ventures on the applicability of extant laws in relation to the issue of accounting for depreciation.

Acting for the National Skill Development Corporation, a unique PPP in India to facilitate skills development, in reviewing loan agreements entered into with a borrower, and drafting and reviewing policy guidelines for the implementation of various skilling programmes.

Provided Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company with regulatory and legal advice on revised framework regulations in power purchase agreements.

Key clients

Central Electricity Regulatory Commissions, Essar Power, GMR Group, Kudgi Transmission

Tax

Work highlights

Representing the Indian Bank Association, Kotak Bank and 12 other banks in a case against the Union of India relating to GST on the commitment to maintain minimum average bank account balances.

Acting for India Coke and Power against the government challenging the constitutional validity of GST on ocean freight services rendered by a foreign entity to another foreign entity located outside of India. Gujarat’s high court, in a landmark ruling, held the GST on these freight services as unconstitutional.

Key clients

Alstom Transport India, Beam Suntory, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Diageo, KPMG, Softbank Energy, Vedanta, Uber, United Spirits

Client feedback

“They have a hands-on approach to the power sector legacy issues and valuable insight into the generation and distribution business.” – Energy

“Good knowledge about local regulations and processes.” – Labour and employment

Monali Dutta

“She has integrity and will to do the best for the client.”

Alok Shankar

“He has developed the basic nuances for an energy sector lawyer. He is always updated on various sectoral developments and renders practical advice.”