Chandhiok & Mahajan

Chandhiok & Mahajan is recognised by the market for its competition and antitrust expertise. The firm was active last year for its big tech and e-commerce clients, for example representing Google before the competition regulator. Another highlight is the firm’s extensive experience in leniency mandates, powered by its win for a client in the first-ever decision by the Competition Commission of India in relation to leniency where 100% immunity was granted. The firm has numerous seminal antitrust law achievements under its belt. It is at the forefront of competition policy development, with name partner Karan Chandhiok as the co-chair of the Assocham-National Council on Competition Law. Chandhiok and co-founder Pooja Mahajan are key figures. The firm hired competition counsel Deeksha Manchanda from Economic Laws Practice after antitrust partner Kalyani Singh departed for an in-house role at Facebook. At the time of publishing, the firm announced antitrust specialist Avinash Amarnath had joined the firm as counsel. He is an advocate-on-record with the Supreme Court and most recently had his own practice.

Competition/antitrust

Work highlights

Represented Bentley Systems India before the competition authority in a case where SOWiL had challenged its licence agreement with the client for use of the computer-aided design software. The team successfully argued that the information filed by SOWiL against Bentley had no merit.

Acting for Intel Corporation in a case filed by Velankani Electronics, involving allegations of abuse of dominance.

Key clients

Bharti Group, Clariant, Google, HP, Khetan Group

Corporate and M&A  

Work highlights

Advised Indorama Netherlands on its acquisition of 31.8% shares in Indorama Synthetics India.

Acted for Akum Drugs and Pharmaceuticals in a primary issuance of equity shares to Ruby QC Investment Holdings, and then a secondary sale of its shares to the same subscriber.

Key clients

Clariant Chemicals, Indorama Ventures Holdings, Thai Plaspac

Dispute resolution

Work highlights

Advised Bharti Infratel on filing a claim against Reliance Communications and Reliance Telecom, demanding an exit amount on account of premature termination of their contract and for outstanding charges for services rendered under the contract, plus interest.

Key clients

Hindupur Solar Park, Malwa Solar Power Generation, Ricoh India

Restructuring and insolvency 

Work highlights

Representing the resolution professional of Ricoh India on its insolvency resolution process and in various forums across the country. Ricoh India is now out of insolvency and is now known as Minosha India.

Successfully acted for the resolution professional of ASGPL, whose resolution process was predicted to be jeopardised due to purported termination of a power purchase agreement under an ipso facto clause.

Key clients

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, ResponsAbility Fair Agriculture Fund, Trimax IT