power of attorney

The concept of granting authority or delegating is not new to India, in fact, it can be traced back several hundred years. This concept of bestowing power on a person, by another person, to do things in a formal manner is called a ‘power of attorney’. Power of Attorney is widely used in personal and business transactions, as well as in conducting litigations before courts. The person granting the power is called the ‘principal’ and the one who acts on behalf of the principal is an ‘agent’ or ‘attorney’ of the principal. An act done by the agent, pursuant to the powers granted, binds the principal as if the principal himself has done it.

Continue Reading Have You Got the Power?

Dissolution of a partnership firm

Introduction:

Dissolution of a partnership firm entails closure of the business of the partnership, settlement of books and accounts of the partnership and distribution of the surplus property (i.e. remaining property of the partnership after settlement of debts and liabilities of the firm) among partners as per their respective shares in the partnership firm.

Continue Reading Distribution of Assets of a Partnership Firm upon Dissolution – Is Registration of Deed of Dissolution or an Arbitration Award mandatory when Immovable Property is involved?

The Curious Case of Co- Lending Model

The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector plays a crucial role in enhancing and ensuring India’s socio-economic development. The sector has gained significant importance due to its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exports.[1] A survey by International Labour Organisation indicates that MSMEs account for more than 70% of global employment and 50% of GDP[2].

Continue Reading The Curious Case of Co- Lending Model

No Occupancy Certificate No Maintenance Charges

An Occupancy Certificate (“OC”) is a document that is issued by a local government agency or planning authority, upon completion of construction of a new project. The certificate is proof that the project has been built, by adhering to applicable building codes, relevant regulations, and laws. It is the responsibility of the developer to obtain an occupancy certificate once the project has been completed. The certificate is an indication that the building is suitable for occupancy.

Continue Reading No Occupancy Certificate: No Maintenance Charges

Contracts Act

Introduction

In its recent judgement of Loop Telecom and Trading Limited v Union of India and Another[1], the Supreme Court denied the Appellant restitution of certain sums paid by it under a void agreement. The Court, while rejecting the claim for restitution u/s 65[2] of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (“Act”), placed reliance on the doctrine of ‘in pari delicto’, and reiterated that courts shall not assist a party who has paid the money or handed over the property in pursuance of an illegal or immoral contract[3].

Continue Reading Restitution Under the Contracts Act: The In Pari Delicto Exception

Invesco v Zee

In a recent judgment pronounced in Invesco Developing Markets Fund v. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited[1] (“Judgment”), on March 22, 2022, a Division Bench of the Bombay High Court (“BHC”) allowed Invesco’s appeal against a judgment dated October 26, 2021[2]. The October 26 judgment was passed by a Single Judge of the BHC (referred to hereinafter as the “Impugned Order”), which had granted an injunction restraining Invesco from calling for and holding an extraordinary general meeting (“EGM”) of Zee.

Continue Reading Bombay High Court’s Judgment in Invesco v Zee– A major boost for shareholders’ rights in India

Information Rights of a Company Director

Background

The fiduciary duties of the directors of a company under the Companies Act, 2013 (“Act”) have been well-recognised in multiple landmark judgments, and in Section 166 of the Act.  Under Section 166(3), a director is required to exercise his duties with reasonable care, skill and diligence, and exercise “independent judgement”.

Continue Reading Information Rights of a Company Director- Does our company law need a relook in the post-pandemic world?

Multi Modal Logistics Parks

BACKGROUND

A systematic logistics network is crucial to economic growth. To develop this sector, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, in October 2017, under the ‘Bharatmala Pariyojana’, mandated the Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to develop Multi Model Logistics Parks (MMLP) across the country[1].

Continue Reading Multi Modal Logistics Parks – Logistics Future of India

JV Company’s Board

Background

The fiduciary relationship between a director and the company is among the foremost principles of company law, which was first enshrined by common law courts of equity. The Supreme Court of India (“SC”) first recognised this common law principle in its celebrated judgment in the Nanalal Zaver case[1], which noted that directors can be considered as “trustees” of the company, and “must exercise their powers for the benefit of the company and for that alone”.[2]

Continue Reading Dilemma of a Nominee Director on the JV Company’s Board – Is there a conflict in his fiduciary duties?

Company Law

Introduction

For a company or a large corporate group, the outcome of a single litigation can be life changing, and may severely impact the interests of the promoters, the management, investors, and other stakeholders. Given the impact that even a single litigation can have on the life of a company, the lawmakers have been conscious of the fact that time is of the utmost essence in adjudicating company disputes.

Continue Reading Zee v Invesco – Has Bombay High Court created parallel jurisdiction in company law matters?