S&R Associates is an Indian law firm with offices in New Delhi and Mumbai providing legal services to Indian and international clients.
Our lawyers are admitted to practice in India and many have previously practiced law in other jurisdictions, including in the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore. As a result, we offer our clients a unique combination of Indian law expertise coupled with international quality legal services.
We distinguish ourselves based on the quality of our services and legal advice and on the range of our experience. Our lawyers have advised on some of the most significant Indian transactions and matters in recent times. The quality of our legal advice and services has helped us become the law firm of choice for our clients and has also been recognised by various industry publications, surveys and rankings. Lawyers in each of our practice areas have routinely been recognised as leading lawyers in India by Chambers Global, Chambers Asia Pacific, IFLR1000, Legal500 and RSG India Report.
Recent Publications
Navigating Legal Waters: Rights and Remedies for Indian Ports and Terminals
Indian trade and shipping are pivotal to the country’s economic growth, with ports serving as essential gateways for the movement of goods and resources. With a vast coastline of 7,517 kilometers, India has numerous major and non-major ports that facilitate both domestic and international trade. These ports play a crucial role in handling cargo, ensuring efficient supply chains, and supporting various industries, making them vital to the nation’s overall economic infrastructure and global trade connectivity. The Indian government has increasingly recognized that the privatization of ports can introduce best practices and modern technology, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.
Indian ports and terminals often face legal challenges in enforcing claims for unpaid dues and damages. A recent ruling by the Orissa High Court regarding the vessel M.V. Debi highlights these issues, allowing the vessel’s arrest to enforce a maritime lien held by Paradip International Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (“PICTPL”) for unpaid berth hire charges. This decision underscores the enforceability of maritime liens and clarifies that port concessionaires can pursue claims even without a direct contractual relationship with the vessel or its owner.
This note examines common disputes faced by ports, such as tariff non-payment and damage to port property, which often arise from ambiguous contractual terms and regulatory changes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the available legal avenues, including admiralty suits and civil litigation, to navigate these challenges effectively.
As the sector increasingly shifts towards privatization, a supportive policy framework has emerged to attract investments and enhance operational efficiency. However, this transition necessitates robust dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances effectively. The need for streamlined processes is critical to manage the complexities of long-term contracts while ensuring timely redressal of claims. Ultimately, these legal frameworks will play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness and facilitating growth within India’s maritime industry.
Forfeiture of Advance Payments by Developers
Section 19(6) of The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016 (“Act/RERA”) casts an obligation on an allottee to make timely payment of instalments as per the payment schedule mentioned in the registered agreement for sale. What happens when an allottee fails to comply with this obligation?
This note scrutinizes the order passed by Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal and talks about the remedies available to a developer in case an allottee defaults in making timely payment of the sale consideration. It also analyzes the position pre and post RERA regime and dives into the concept of earnest money and liquidated damages in terms of the agreement for sale.
Key Changes to the Competition Act, 2002
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, and the Competition Commission of India (“CCI”) have introduced certain amendments to the Competition Act, 2002 (“Competition Act”) and the regulations framed thereunder. These include introduction of deal value thresholds to the Competition Act, relaxations for open offers and implementation of stock exchange purchases, changes to certain exemptions to test the notifiability of transactions, and changes to the CCI review timelines. This note describes the changes introduced to the Competition Act and the regulations framed thereunder.