Insights

Corporate fraud has emerged as one of the most significant legal and commercial risks confronting businesses in India. Increasingly complex corporate structures, digital financial systems, cross-border transactions and sophisticated financial crimes have substantially heightened the exposure of companies to fraudulent practices involving accounting manipulation, misappropriation of funds, procurement fraud, bribery, corruption, falsification of records, insider misconduct, cyber-enabled financial crimes and diversion of corporate assets. Beyond immediate financial losses, corporate fraud often results in regulatory investigations, shareholder disputes, contractual litigation, reputational damage and criminal prosecution of directors, officers and employees.

India's ambitious transition towards cleaner fuels recently came under judicial scrutiny as the Supreme Court ordered status quo on ethanol supply allocation for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025–26. The interim order was passed while hearing a challenge filed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) against a Karnataka High Court judgment directing Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to reconsider a dedicated ethanol manufacturer's request for enhanced ethanol allocation.

In today’s increasingly globalised world, Non-Resident Indians (“NRIs”) continue to maintain significant investments in immovable property across India, including ancestral estates, residential properties, commercial assets and inherited family holdings. These properties frequently constitute an important component of long-term wealth preservation and succession planning. However, the geographical distance between NRIs and their Indian assets often gives rise to complex disputes involving unauthorised occupation, fraudulent transfers, forged powers of attorney, disputed succession, partition claims and illegal encumbrances.

In a significant address highlighting India's rich constitutional and legal heritage, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant asserted that the concepts of the Rule of Law and judicial independence are not merely Western legal imports but have deep roots in India's ancient philosophical traditions. Speaking at the International IDEA event in Sweden on the theme "Safeguarding the Rule of Law: Experiences from India and Sweden," the Chief Justice emphasized that the supremacy of Dharmaunderstood as the cosmic, ethical, and legal orderhas guided Indian governance and justice for thousands of years, long before the emergence of the common law system.

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, joint ventures have emerged as one of the most effective mechanisms for businesses seeking strategic expansion, market penetration, technology sharing and capital optimisation. Both domestic and foreign enterprises frequently utilise joint venture structures to combine resources, leverage complementary expertise and access new commercial opportunities within India’s rapidly growing economy.

In a significant judgment reinforcing the welfare-oriented nature of maintenance laws, the Allahabad High Court, in Mannan @ Abdul Mannan vs. State of Uttar Pradesh & Another, has held that the allotment of a residential house to a wife under a government welfare scheme such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) cannot be considered a source of livelihood that disentitles her from claiming maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (now substantially reflected under Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023).

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) has rapidly transformed the manner in which businesses operate, innovate and compete across industries. From automated decision-making, predictive analytics and customer relationship management to financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and legal operations, AI-driven technologies have become integral to corporate growth and operational efficiency. While AI offers significant commercial advantages through enhanced productivity, improved decision-making and reduced operational costs, its adoption also introduces complex legal, regulatory and governance challenges that organisations cannot afford to overlook.

In a significant judgment strengthening the objectives of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), the Allahabad High Court has held that complaints of workplace sexual harassment cannot be dismissed merely because they are filed beyond the prescribed limitation period. The Court emphasized that the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) must first examine the reasons for the delay and determine whether the circumstances justify entertaining the complaint before rejecting it at the threshold.

Introduction In a significant legal development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has brought an end to a long-pending criminal defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he expressed regret over an allegedly defamatory statement made during the 2018 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election campaign. The Court's decision highlights the growing judicial preference for resolving personal defamation disputes through voluntary settlement where the complainant is satisfied and no useful purpose would be served by continuing criminal proceedings. The matter arose from allegations that Rahul Gandhi incorrectly claimed during an election rally that Kartikey Singh Chauhan, son of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, was named in the Panama Papers leaks. After clarifying the mistake and expressing regret, Gandhi sought closure of the criminal proceedings, a request ultimately accepted by both the complainant and the High Court.

In the modern commercial landscape, contractual relationships form the foundation of virtually every business transaction, whether involving supply arrangements, service agreements, joint ventures, technology licensing, infrastructure projects, employment relationships or cross-border investments. Contracts establish legally enforceable rights and obligations that provide certainty, allocate risk and facilitate commercial confidence. However, despite careful planning and negotiation, disputes frequently arise when one party fails to perform its contractual obligations, resulting in what is legally recognised as a breach of contract.