Corporate Advisory

OVERVIEW

Acuity Law advises clients on various legal issues arising out of different laws, such as, matters relating to corporate governance, securities laws, capital raising, directors duties and liability, prohibition of insider trading laws, fraudulent and unfair trade practices, the Takeover Code, listing obligations and disclosure requirements, anti-trust laws, laws applicable to foreign portfolio investors, India entry strategy, foreign direct investment laws, investment by Indian companies outside India, contract law, laws relating to raising debt in Indian Rupees, external commercial borrowings, sector specific laws, such as aviation laws, insurance laws, security services laws, retail trading laws, packaging laws, consumer laws and other such laws which are relevant for the conduct of business by the client in India.

Acuity Law assists clients to incorporate business entities such as companies, limited liability partnerships, alternative investment vehicles, partnership firms, trusts, liaison offices, branch offices, project offices and other types of business entities through which business is conducted in India or presence in India is established by a strategic or financial investor.

 

Incorporation of Companies

The process of incorporation of companies in India has undergone several changes. These changes have been introduced as part of Government of India’s ease of doing business initiatives. Business reforms over the past several years have helped India move to 63rd position as per the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2020 study.

This primer aims at disseminating important information on the laws and regulations governing incorporation of companies in India.

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Shareholder’s Rights

The rights, duties and obligations of shareholders of an Indian company is governed by the provisions of (Indian) Companies Act, 2013 and rules framed under it (Companies Act), the articles of association of the company and shareholders’ agreement. Typically, the board of directors control and supervise the management and operations of a company. However, there are certain decisions and actions which can only be undertaken by the shareholders. This primer gives an overview of various rights of shareholders of an Indian company.

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Modes of Funding

Indian entities may raise funds through different modes permissible under the Indian laws. We have tried to answer some of the common queries in relation to raising funds under various modes under Indian laws.

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Corporate Governance

Here are some of the common queries in relation to corporate governance in India.

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Competition Law

Globally, a competitive market is acknowledged as the best means of ensuring that consumers have access to the broadest range of services at the most competitive prices. Competition Laws are designed to promote and sustain such competitive market by removing market imperfections through appropriate regulations.

Here we deal with the principal laws and practices to regulate and promote competition in India.

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Data privacy and protection

is as important as the efficient use of data and for that purpose being aware of the data protection laws that apply to an individual and the rights that a person may enjoy with respect to his data is extremely critical.

Here we cover a basic understanding of the Data protection laws in India.

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Gaming Laws in India

The gaming industry has gained significant importance over the last decade with the advent of virtual and online gaming. Gaming is set to become increasingly popular.

Here we look at the laws that govern the gaming industry in India.

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Intellectual Property

In this document, we discuss Indian laws related to recognition, registration, and enforcement of rights in intellectual property in India. Here we have provided an overview of Indian laws related to copyright, patents and trademarks.

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Non-Banking Financial Companies

(NBFCs) are key to the India’s economy and play an important role in promoting inclusive growth in the country. NBFCs play a critical role in the core development of several sectors especially in the micro, small and medium enterprises and have been making significant contribution to wealth creation and financial support for small businesses and organizations.

Here we deal with commonly asked questions regarding laws pertaining to NBFCs.

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Consumer Protection Law

Consumer protection law is one of the core aspects of a well-functioning economy as it has direct bearing on information exchange between different market players. Countries around the world have been constantly reshaping their legal regime to address various issues arising out of significant changes and evolution in commerce and industry. As part of its commitment to promote ease of doing business, the Government of India notified the new Consumer Protection Act, 2019, replacing the existing Consumer Protection Act, 1986. We have prepared a primer covering a broad overview of fundamental aspects and concepts covered under the new law.

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The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)

are considered to be a key driver of economic growth in India. They are credited for generating the high employment opportunities while promoting overall socio-economic development and have emerged as a dynamic sector over the past decades. In 2006, the Government of India enacted the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act (“MSME Act”) for facilitating the promotion and development of this sector which has undergone major changes in 2020. In this primer we look at the key concepts under the MSME Act.

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Shareholder's Protection

Shareholders, though not in direct control of a company, are the real owners of the company. The investments made by shareholders in companies entitle them to certain rights. This primer gives a broad overview of the various protections guaranteed to shareholders under India’s corporate legislation.

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The Takeover Code

strictly regulates the acquisition of shares, voting rights or control in listed Indian companies with the ultimate objective of regulating any change in shareholding or control of the company so as to protect the retail investors who have made investments in these companies. The Takeover Code seeks to ensure that these changes are undertaken in an equitable and transparent manner and in a manner which provides an exit opportunity to shareholders. In this primer we take a look at the key concepts under the Takeover Code.

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Limited Liability Partnership (“LLP”)

A limited liability partnership (“LLP”) is a body corporate that provides benefits of limited liability and at the same time allows its members the flexibility to organise their internal structure. In this primer, we have covered frequently asked questions relating to LLPs.

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Start-ups in India

India has one of the most robust start-up ecosystems in the world and has in the recent past contributed significantly to expand the list of Unicorn Companies. As of January 2021, it is estimated that there are around 55,000 active start-ups in India, out of which around 47,000 start-ups have been recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). In this primer, we have covered frequently asked questions relating to some of the major benefits available to DPIIT recognised start-ups in India.

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The Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”)

is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. The recommendations by FATF are recognised as the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standard. India has been a member of the FATF since 2010. In this primer, we have highlighted some of the basic questions on the anti-money laundering legislation in India.

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Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India

The government of India has taken a number of steps in the last few years to develop and promote the production of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. Adoption of EVs on a large scale is being seen as a one-stop solution for problems like India’s high dependency on oil imports and increasing air pollution. In this primer, we have answered a few basic questions regarding government policy and the legal framework surrounding EVs in India.

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Packaged Commodities Rules

Under Indian laws, packaged commodities are required to display information such as net quantity, price, name of manufacturer, packer/ importer among others. In India, packaging of commodities is governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 (“Legal Metrology Act”) and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 (“Packaged Commodities Rules”). Here we have covered the standards prescribed under the Legal Metrology Act and the Packaged Commodities Rules in relation to packaging of commodities for the purpose of distribution or sale or such other connected matters.

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The Indian securities market regulator, SEBI,

is responsible for preventing insider trading in India. SEBI has, with the end goal of achieving higher standards of investor protection in the country, prescribed certain restrictions as well as compliance requirements on listed entities as well as categories of persons who may generally be in possession of unpublished information that is price sensitive in nature. In this primer, we have covered common queries in relation to regulation of insider trading in India.

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Real Estate (Regulatory and Development) Authority Act, 2016 (Act)

was introduced with an objective to protect the interest of the homebuyers and ensure accountability of the promoters of the real estate project towards homebuyers and enhance transparency in the system. In this primer, we have covered common queries in relation to the Act and key points related to the registration of the real estate project and rights and duties of the promoters of real estate projects under the Act.

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The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016

was enacted with an objective to protect the rights and interests of allottees from unlawful and illegal activities of the real estate developers and to provide a robust grievance redressal mechanism. In this primer, we have covered some common queries related to the rights of allottees of a real estate project provided under the Act.

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Key Professionals

Souvik Ganguly

Managing Partner
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Akhil Ramesh

Senior Associate
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Tanuj Modi

Senior Associate
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Shrishti Mishra

Associate
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Paridhi Rastogi

Associate
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Krishna Nair

Associate
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October 30, 2023

Overview of the LODR (Second Amendment) Regulations 2023

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November 22, 2023

New mechanisms & reduced timelines: SEBI’s alternate dispute resolution amendment

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November 29, 2023

Private companies to dematerialize shares

The Central Government has issued a notification on 27 October 2023 amending the Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, 2014 called the Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Second Amendment Rules, 2023 (Rules). Currently, public companies are required to maintain their securities in dematerialized form. The Rules now mandate dematerialization of securities of private…
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March 31, 2023

Foreign portfolio investors – streamlining the onboarding process

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January 25, 2023

India: Rules Governing the Gig Economy

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August 8, 2022

Is accumulated interest a part of operational debt in Indian Insolvency laws?

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April 8, 2024

Directors’ duties in India: Shareholders or Stakeholders?

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March 23, 2024

Regulatory Update: SEBI amends REIT Regulations to address fractional ownership in real estate assets

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April 1, 2024

SEBI: Informal guidance from SEBI in respect of permissibility to make investments in the units of exchange traded fund for earning of regular income by the fund

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September 13, 2022

Revised overseas investment regime in India

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September 5, 2022

SEBI – Relaxations for overseas investments by AIFs and VCFs

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August 25, 2022

Revised Guidelines for the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices

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August 24, 2022

Rebooting the Indian FinTech story

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August 24, 2022

RBI Press Release on Recommendations of the Working group on Digital Lending – Implementation

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August 10, 2022

Social Media Influencer – New-age participants in digital advertising

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August 10, 2022

Accountability of social media platforms for misleading advertisements

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January 18, 2022

Liability of Investor Nominee Directors in Indian Start-ups

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February 3, 2022

SEBI update: Special Situations Funds

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI’) has under its notification dated 24 January 2022 (“Amendment Regulations”) amended the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012. (“AIF Regulations”). Under the Amendment Regulations, SEBI introduced the concept of Special Situation Funds (“SSF”). Subsequently, SEBI issued the circular dated 27 January 2022 (“Circular”) in order to provide…
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May 13, 2022

The Booming Indian Education Sector: Implementation of the Foreign Academic Collaboration Regulation by the UGC

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March 25, 2020

Significant Beneficial Ownership: A Step in the Right Direction? – January 13, 2020

Various ownership structures are created to mask the real owners of a company. This article deals with the new compliance requirements imposed on the company to identify and report such ownership structures if certain conditions are met and the issues that a company may face in certain situations. Read More
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March 25, 2020

Recent Developments on Virtual Currencies in India

The issuance of currency is a sovereign function and fiat currency is the currency that the government has declared to be legal tender. A virtual currency (“VC”), on the other hand, is a digital representation of value that can be digitally traded and function as a medium of exchange. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin Ethereum, Ripple,…
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March 30, 2020

Note On telemedicine Practice Guidelines 2020

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May 5, 2020

New FDI Norms – Curb on Opportunistics Takeovers in Times of Covid-19

In a bid to prevent opportunistic takeovers of India companies in light of the unanticipated economic disruption and depression created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian Government in a bold move has amended India’s foreign exchange policy. Consequently, all investments from India’s neighbouring countries will require prior government approval. This move echoes the growing worldwide…
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May 18, 2020

Indian Pharmaceutical Sector: Covid-19 and Beyond

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive global disruption across sectors and industries. As an obvious fallout to this pandemic, pharmaceutical companies have now entered into partnerships to develop vaccinations and drugs to combat this disease. Among several contenders, India is set to play a major role in production and selling of COVID-19 vaccine…
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June 4, 2020

“Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” Economic Stimulus Package

We, at Acuity Law, have summarized the economic stimulus package recently announced by the Government of India through 5 consecutive days of interaction from May 13 to May 17, 2020.  Aimed at introducing bold reforms across various sectors and to revive the India economy, this stimulus package is a mix of fiscal support, monetary support, ease of…
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June 9, 2020

Reforms in Indian Electricity Sector

The Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 promises the much awaited and needed reforms to India’s electricity sector. The poor financial health of electricity distribution companies (“DISCOMs”) is mainly attributable to operational inefficiencies and policy stagnation. Government of India, realising the necessity of radical reforms in the power sector, has proposed major amendments to its Electricity Act while simultaneously announcing…
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June 12, 2020

Competition Act, 2002: A Time to Re-invent the Wheel Amidst Covid 19?

India is facing two of its biggest challenges due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic viz., (a) providing healthcare services to the needy and, (b) providing employment to its huge workforce. While the government has given assurances that essential services shall continue, there are concerns regarding disruptions to the supply chain including issues of…
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July 29, 2020

Response to Covid 19 And Impact on Insolvency Law in India

Response to COVID 19 and Impact on Insolvency Law in India” has been published in the INSOL International News Letter (Issue No. 7) in July 2020. The article discusses the Ordinance introduced by the Indian Government on 5 June 2020 for amending the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and…
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September 21, 2020

REITs and INVITs – India Update

While Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are a common investment vehicle globally, they are a relatively new product in the Indian landscape.  They seem to have gained popularity amongst Indian investors (institutional as well as retail) in a very short span of time. Briefly put, REITs and InvITs (a) allow…
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September 29, 2020

Foreign Direct Investment in Indian Defence Sector – An Update

The Indian defence sector has been the third least popular sector for foreign direct investment (FDI). The Indian foreign direct investment policy has been revised with a view to increasing the inflow of foreign direct investment in the defence sector. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a press note…
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October 23, 2020

India Driving Towards Electric Mobility

India’s Electric Vehicle (‘EV’) industry is still at its nascent stage; however, given the country’s market size coupled with the Government’s aggressive EV adoption policy, EV sales in India have grown by 20 percent at 1.56 lakh units in FY 2019-20.  The backbone to this is the various policies and incentives announced by the Central and State…
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November 11, 2020

Making Labour Laws Work for the Workers

Pleased to share an article on the migrant labour laws written by our Managing Partner, Souvik Ganguly which has been printed in the Hindu Business Line today.
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June 14, 2021

Personal Guarantee: The Enforcement Begins

On 21 May 2021, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of Lalit Kumar Jain vs. Union of India & Ors, upheld the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (“Code”) which permitted banks to proceed against personal guarantors for recovery of loans given to a company. Under the Code, the Government of India…
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August 4, 2023

Regulatory update: SEBI mandates FPIs to provide Legal Entity Identifier code

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), vide circular dated 27 July 2023 (available here) has made it mandatory for non-individual foreign portfolio investors (FPI) to provide details of their Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) code in the ‘Common Application Form’ (CAF), which is an application form used for registration of FPIs with SEBI, allotment of…
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