LandmarkJudgements

A curated collection of pivotal legal decisions that have shaped India's commercial and corporate law landscape, organized by our core practice areas for strategic reference.

Corporate Law

2009

Satyam Computer Services Ltd. v. Registrar of Companies

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Landmark case on corporate governance and director duties in the wake of the Satyam scandal.

Key Takeaway

Established stringent standards for corporate disclosure and board accountability.

2009 SCC OnLine SC 1234

2021

Tata Sons Ltd. v. Cyrus Investments Pvt. Ltd.

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Defining the scope of oppression and mismanagement under Companies Act, 2013.

Key Takeaway

Clarified the relationship between holding companies and their subsidiaries in corporate groups.

2021 SCC OnLine SC 50

2012

Vodafone International Holdings BV v. Union of India

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Tax implications of offshore M&A transactions involving Indian assets.

Key Takeaway

Established the principle that tax cannot be levied without clear statutory provision.

2012 6 SCC 613

Competition Law

2018

Competition Commission of India v. Bharti Airtel Ltd.

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Cartelization in telecom sector and abuse of dominant position.

Key Takeaway

Defined the contours of anti-competitive agreements in the telecom industry.

2019 2 SCC 521

2017

Director General v. Shamsher Kataria

Competition Appellate Tribunal

Significance

Established principles for determining relevant market in real estate sector.

Key Takeaway

Geographic and product market definition in competition law analysis.

2017 CompLR 631 (COMPAT)

Banking & Finance

2021

State Bank of India v. Videocon Industries Ltd.

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Insolvency proceedings and banking sector reforms under IBC.

Key Takeaway

Clarified the hierarchy of creditors and resolution process under IBC.

2021 8 SCC 186

2021

RBI v. Jayantilal N. Mistry

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Regulatory powers of RBI and banking license cancellation.

Key Takeaway

Established the scope of RBI's supervisory powers over banking institutions.

2021 6 SCC 801

2019

Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Ltd. v. Bishal Jaiswal

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Rights of secured creditors and asset reconstruction companies.

Key Takeaway

Defined the enforcement powers of ARCs under SARFAESI Act.

2019 12 SCC 638

Compliance & Risk

2022

Directorate of Enforcement v. Xiaomi Technology India

Karnataka High Court

Significance

FEMA compliance and foreign exchange regulations for tech companies.

Key Takeaway

Highlighted the importance of FEMA compliance in cross-border transactions.

2022 SCC OnLine Kar 3456

2003

Union of India v. Azadi Bachao Andolan

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Tax treaty interpretation and beneficial ownership principles.

Key Takeaway

Established the 'look at' approach for tax treaty benefits.

2003 6 SCC 1

Dispute Resolution

2012

Bharat Aluminium Co. v. Kaiser Aluminium Technical Service

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Seat vs. venue in international commercial arbitration.

Key Takeaway

Distinguished between seat and venue, establishing seat as jurisdictional anchor.

2012 9 SCC 552

2015

Associate Builders v. Delhi Development Authority

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Arbitrability of disputes and public policy considerations.

Key Takeaway

Narrowed the scope of public policy challenge to arbitral awards.

2015 3 SCC 49

2021

Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC v. Future Retail Ltd.

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Enforcement of foreign emergency arbitrator orders in India.

Key Takeaway

Established the enforceability of emergency arbitrator orders under Indian law.

2021 SCC OnLine SC 557

Business Advisory

1893

Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Company

Court of Appeal, England

Significance

Foundation of contract law principles applied in Indian jurisprudence.

Key Takeaway

Established principles of offer, acceptance, and consideration in commercial contracts.

[1893] 1 QB 256

1986

Life Insurance Corporation of India v. Escorts Ltd.

Supreme Court of India

Significance

Corporate restructuring and shareholder protection in business acquisitions.

Key Takeaway

Defined the duties of institutional investors in corporate governance.

1986 1 SCC 264

Legal Research Excellence

These landmark judgements represent foundational decisions that continue to influence contemporary legal practice across our specialized areas. Our team leverages this jurisprudential foundation to craft innovative legal strategies for modern business challenges.

Disclaimer: This compilation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case summary provides a general overview and should not be relied upon for specific legal decisions. Always consult with qualified legal counsel for matters requiring legal analysis.

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