Dispute Resolution

Is SEBI obligated to provide only the documents it relies upon?

Summary: This blog analyses the duty of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) to disclose documents during regulatory proceedings. It traces the judicial evolution of SEBI’s disclosure obligations and discusses contrasting judicial views on the extent and limits of such obligation.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”), as a regulator and a quasi-judicial body, is dutybound to act fairly and adhere to the principles of natural justice while conducting proceedings against parties. One such duty is to grant noticees access to the material that form the basis of the findings/ allegations made against them in the show cause notice.

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Exclusive Jurisdiction vs Seat Conundrum: Delhi High Court Expands Jurisprudence

Summary: This article examines the evolving jurisprudence on the interplay between “exclusive jurisdiction” and “seat of arbitration” clauses in Indian arbitration landscape. The Delhi High Court’s decision in Viva Infraventure v. NOIDA highlights that an express exclusive jurisdiction clause will override a seat determined by the arbitrator. The judgment underscores the primacy of party autonomy and contractual intent. It also reinforces the importance of precise drafting in arbitration clauses to avoid jurisdictional conflicts and ensuring legal clarity.

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Summary: This article highlights the Bombay High Court’s reaffirmation of limited appellate review for temporary injunctions. For litigants, this means a clearer understanding of the narrow grounds for appeal, fostering more strategic and efficient approaches to dispute resolution involving interim reliefs.

Continue Reading Full Bench of Bombay High Court Clarifies Scope of Appellate Review of Temporary Injunction Orders

The present US administration signed an Executive Order (“EO 14209”) in February, halting the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), pending new guidance to prosecutors. On June 10, 2025, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new guidelines (“Guidelines”) on the enforcement of the FCPA, marking a significant shift in its approach to combating foreign bribery. These changes are a part of a broader strategy to recalibrate US anti-corruption efforts in line with national security interests and economic competitiveness.

Continue Reading Global, India implications of US DOJ resuming scaled-back enforcement against foreign bribery

Introduction

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (“MSME Act”), aims to promote,  develop and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs. To address the issue of delayed payments, several provisions of the MSME Act provide additional safeguards and benefits to MSMEs. One such safeguard is Section 15, which outlines the buyer’s liability to make payments due to MSMEs once the goods or services are accepted/ deemed to be accepted.[1] Similarly, Section 16, read with Section 17, states that delays in payments for goods supplied or services rendered by MSMEs, shall attract a compound interest rate of three times the bank rate notified by the Reserve Bank of India.[2] Further, reference to the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (“MSEFC”) for any amount due under Section 17 can be made under Section 18. However, questions on the applicability of this statutory provision are raised, when parties to a dispute do not invoke the MSEFC mechanism and go under the pre-existing arbitration agreements.

Continue Reading Arbitration Agreements v. MSME Act: Can interest rates under MSME Act survive outside of Section 18 proceedings?

Introduction

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (“FCRA/Act”), is an important piece of legislation that Parliament has enacted to prohibit acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for activities detrimental to national interest.

Continue Reading Navigating the Evolving FCRA Landscape: Enhanced Responsibility of Chartered Accountants
Chinese Goods, India Exports: Substantial transformation or risky transshipment?

There is increasing uncertainty surrounding the legal and commercial aspects of trade, against the backdrop of the United States imposing new tariffs. This evolving landscape of international trade exposes Indian exporters to heightened scrutiny under the US customs regulations, specifically those concerning transshipment of goods and adherence to the US Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) rules of origin (“Rules of Origin”).

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Emergency Arbitration: A Legal Lifeline or a Paper Tiger?

Introduction

Emergency arbitration (“EA”) is a pre-cursory mechanism in the arbitration process that allows parties to seek urgent interim reliefs prior to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. To invoke EA, the party invoking the process must establish that it would face irreparable harm if the protection/ measures sought in the EA are not granted before the constitution of the arbitral tribunal.

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