Kochhar & Co.

18/12/2025

We are pleased to share that our Senior Partner, Stephen Mathias, has been ranked Band 1 in the Technology and Telecommunications (TMT) practice in the Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific Rankings 2026, marking 17 consecutive years of recognition by Chambers.

This recognition reaffirms the Firm’s consistent standing in the Technology and Telecommunications practice, as well as the trust placed in Kochhar & Co. by its clients.

18/12/2025

Our Partner, Ketan Mukhija, was quoted in a moneycontrol.com article examining the Select Committee’s recommendations on IBC 2.0, including the proposed decriminalisation of technical lapses and the introduction of a three-month timeline for NCLAT proceedings.

In his comments, Ketan observed that the proposed reforms meaningfully address delays and uncertainty within the existing insolvency framework. He noted that curbing forum-driven delays and aligning the regime with global best practices could play a critical role in preserving enterprise value and strengthening creditor confidence.

Read the complete article here: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/select-committee-on-ibc-2-0-recommends-decriminalising-technical-lapses-and-imposing-3-month-timeline-for-nclat-13730552.html

On cross border insolvency framework, the Committee feels that it is 'imperative' to codify the basic tenets of the framework directly within the Code itself to provide clear legislative guidance for the central government.

09/12/2025

Kochhar & Co. Advises Standard Chartered Subsidiary Standard Chartered Global Business Services (GBS) in the Baashyaam Group Land Acquisition

Kochhar & Co. has successfully represented Standard Chartered Bank in the sale of its 5.2-acre prime property located on Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, which was acquired by Baashyaam Group. The transaction ranks among the largest land deals in Chennai.

The property, situated in one of the most sought-after localities in the city, attracted significant interest from leading developers.

The successful completion of this high-value transaction reflects Kochhar & Co’s expertise in advising on complex, large-scale property matters and its ability to deliver seamless support in structuring and closing significant real estate deals.

The matter was led by Kochhar & Co. ’s Chennai Senior Partner Savitha Kesav Jagadeesan, supported by Partner Gaurav Chatterjee and Associate Sindhuja Krishnamoothy.

04/12/2025

Our Partner Shiv Sapra was quoted in The Indian Express in an article discussing safeguards against so-called “digital arrests” flagged by banks and platforms.

Shiv emphasizes that Indian law does not recognise digital arrest, and actions that restrict a person's freedom on such scores can at best be characterised as wrongful confinement, which is punishable under Section 127 of the BNS. His perspective provides an important context for understanding how traditional legal principles may apply in emerging digital scenarios.

Read more: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/stay-calm-preserve-evidence-alert-banks-legal-experts-on-safeguards-against-digital-arrest-10399715/

Digital arrest scams: Experts have emphasised that victims must immediately disconnect the call, avoid sharing data, and report the incident immediately to 1930 (National Cybercrime Helpline) or cybercrime.gov.in.

03/12/2025

Kochhar & Co. Announces Strategic Team Expansion in Delhi, Bolstering its Corporate M&A, Private Equity and Dispute Resolution Capabilities

Kochhar & Co. is pleased to announce the addition of a ten-lawyer team to the Firm, including Ketan Mukhija as Partner (Corporate & M&A) and Co-Head of the Venture Capital practice, Abhinav Agnihotri as Partner (Dispute Resolution), and Guneet Singh Chadha as Partner (Corporate & M&A).

This addition reinforces the Firm’s pan-India capabilities and complements Kochhar & Co.’s established strengths. The incoming partners bring strong advisory, transactional and litigation credentials, deep sectoral experience, and a client-focused approach that aligns seamlessly with the Firm’s longstanding culture of excellence.

On the recent appointments, Rohit Kochhar, Founding Member and Managing Partner of the Firm, remarked: “We are delighted to welcome Ketan, Abhinav and Guneet, along with other members of the team, to Kochhar & Co.”

“The addition of Ketan and Guneet to our specialised Corporate M&A and PE-VC practices represents a considered step towards deepening our capabilities in investment and fund-related work. Abhinav’s onboarding reinforces our robust pan-India dispute resolution practice and strengthens our capability in complex commercial and regulatory disputes.”

Ketan Mukhija, Partner and Co-Head – Private Equity and Venture Capital, commented: “It is a privilege to join Kochhar & Co., a firm with a long-standing reputation for quality and client service excellence. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across practices and offices in India and overseas, to contribute to the Firm’s Corporate, PE-VC, banking and finance capabilities, and to support clients on structured and high-value transactions.”

Abhinav Agnihotri, Partner, added: “I am pleased to join Kochhar & Co. and be part of a firm recognised for the strength of its disputes practice, as well as its reputation for consistently delivering high-quality and personalised services. I look forward to working alongside eminent colleagues and contributing to the litigation and arbitration practice of the Firm.”

Guneet Singh Chadha, Partner, stated: “Kochhar & Co. is widely respected for its depth of expertise and client-centric approach. I am delighted to be part of this prestigious Firm and look forward to contributing to its transactional practice.”

26/11/2025

We are pleased to share our latest update on India’s newly notified Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA), along with the finalised Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. With an 18-month implementation roadmap now in place, businesses must begin preparing for one of the most significant shifts in India’s data privacy landscape.

Authored by our Senior Partner Stephen Mathias and Senior Associate Gayathri Poti, our update breaks down key timelines, compliance requirements, breach-notification obligations, cross-border implications, and what organisations should start doing now to align with the new law.

Read the full analysis here:http://kochhar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Data-Privacy.pdf

24/07/2025

We are pleased to share our latest contribution to the Practical Law Global Q&A, “Regulation of State and Supplementary Pension Schemes in India: Overview”, authored by our Partner Suma R V and Associate Aniket Chowdhury.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed snapshot of India’s pension landscape from the statutory Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) and its funding mechanics to supplementary schemes like the National Pension System (NPS).

Read the full Q&A on Practical Law here: https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/4-547-2506?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true #:~:text=On%20supplementary%20pensions%2C%20it%20covers,reliefs%20on%20contributions%20and%20approval

10/07/2025

Kochhar & Co. is pleased to share a comprehensive note on the legal avenues available to close down an Indian private limited company.

The note compiled by our Senior Partner Suhas Srinivasiah, Partner Prathap Nagaraj, and Associate Vini Jain, provides insights into the role of key regulatory authorities, outlines mandatory pre-requisites including solvency declarations and compliance checks, and provides an overview of the liquidation process. The note also briefly deals with the alternate options for winding down of an Indian private limited company.

Published on Mondaq, you can read the complete note here: https://www.mondaq.com/india/insolvencybankruptcy/1648972/note-on-voluntary-liquidation-of-an-indian-company

The India Companies Act, 2013 and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 together being the ‘Voluntary Liquidation Regulations' are the main legislations dealing with winding up / liquidation of an Indian private limited company.

07/07/2025

Our latest publication in Mondaq, titled ‘Navigating AI-Related Legal Risks in Indian M&A Transactions,’ explores the critical legal risks associated with AI that investors must consider when evaluating M&A or other investment transactions in India.

Authored by our Senior Associate Gayathri Poti, the article examines IP ownership, open-source licensing to data protection, confidentiality, algorithmic bias, and more.

Read the full article for key takeaways on how to navigate AI-related risks in investment deals here: https://www.mondaq.com/india/maprivate-equity/1646946/navigating-ai-related-legal-risks-in-indian-ma-transactions

Indian companies, much like their global counterparts, are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) across internal functions and customer-facing offerings.

25/06/2025

We are pleased to share our latest article on the MCA’s new employment law disclosure requirements, effective July 14, 2025, authored by our Senior Partner Suhas Srinivasiah, Associate Partner Siddharth Santosh, and Associate Kehan Vora.

Boards must now confirm compliance with the POSH Act and Maternity Benefit Act, disclose data on workplace harassment complaints, and report gender-wise employee figures. This marks a growing trend of labour law enforcement through corporate law channels.

Read our article here:http://kochhar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NEW-EMPLOYMENT-LAW-DISCLOSURE-REQUIREMENTS.pdf

16/06/2025

Kochhar & Co. advises Monarch Industries Limited, a portfolio company of TriWest Capital Partners, on its investment in
Yerik Hydraulics Private Limited

Kochhar & Co. (the “Firm”) acted as lead Indian counsel to Monarch Industries Limited (“Monarch”), a portfolio company of TriWest Capital Partners (“TriWest”), on their investment in Yerik Hydraulics Private Limited (“Yerik”) to become a joint venture partner and 50% shareholder in Yerik.

Monarch is a leading manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders and custom iron castings serving OEM customers globally and based in Canada. Yerik is an Indian based entity engaged in the business of manufacturing complete hydraulic cylinders. The joint venture between Monarch and Yerik will help both companies expand their hydraulics cylinder manufacturing business, both in India and around the globe, and marks a key milestone in the Indian hydraulic cylinders manufacturing sector.

Founded in 1998, TriWest Capital Partners is one of Canada’s leading private equity firms having raised over $1.75 billion ($CAD) of committed capital and completed 50 platform investments across seven funds.

The Firm provided end to end support and assistance in the transaction which entailed preparing, negotiating and finalizing the definitive transaction documents (such as the Subscription Agreement, and the Shareholder’s Agreement), undertaking a comprehensive due diligence on the company, and assistance with all closing and post-closing actions.

The transaction was led by the Kochhar Bangalore corporate M&A team comprising of Anuj Kaila (Partner) and Adityan Rangaswamy (Associate). Various other members of the Kochhar Bangalore office also assisted with the transaction and the due diligence.

13/06/2025

Our Partner Shiv Sapra was recently featured in NDTV Profit’s article titled “Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India May Face These Court Cases Going Ahead.”

In this piece, Shiv shares his insights on the legal ramifications that may arise following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad. He outlines the potential options and challenges that may be faced, contingent upon the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Read the full article here: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/law-and-policy/air-india-ahmedabad-crash-airline-could-face-these-court-cases-ahead

While there are several legal remedies available, the route that can be opted for depends heavily on the investigation, as per Shiv Sapra, partner, Kochhar & Co.