Law Offices of Panag & Babu, based in India, is recognised for its exceptional expertise in international arbitration, commercial disputes, regulatory matters, and insolvency disputes. The firm prides itself on delivering comprehensive arbitration services, characterised by a strategic approach that integrates drafting, argumentation, and in-house management of cases. With a dedicated team of over 20 lawyers, the firm handles a diverse range of arbitration matters, including high-stakes claims exceeding $2.5 billion, making it a preferred counsel for major multinational conglomerates in India. Key partners such as Sherbir Panag and Samudra Sarangi lead a practice distinguished by its ability to manage complex cross-jurisdictional cases.
The firm currently manages over 10 active high-value arbitration mandates, showcasing its capability in navigating intricate disputes with cross-jurisdictional elements. The firm’s commercial disputes and arbitration practice is distinguished by its client-centric strategies, focusing on maximising commercial returns and minimising uncertainties related to costs and outcomes. This approach includes offering flexible fee models and detailed cost estimates, which enhance client confidence in navigating complex disputes. The firm’s ability to handle intricate, cross-jurisdictional issues further underscores its technical competence and reputation in the arbitration landscape.
In terms of key work highlights, the firm has handled significant international and domestic arbitrations. For instance, in an international arbitration seated in Singapore, the firm represented a multinational construction conglomerate in a case involving claims of approximately $100 million. Additionally, in a domestic arbitration based in New Delhi, it acted on behalf of one of India's largest renewable energy companies, navigating claims and counterclaims before three former Chief Justices of India.
The firm also represented a Taiwanese construction company in an international arbitration seated in Jaipur, dealing with public infrastructure projects. Further, in Hyderabad, it successfully managed a dispute for a US-based OTT technology solutions provider regarding the termination of technology servicing agreements, with claims of around $27.5 million.
In the area of arbitration-related disputes and advisory, the firm represented a global civil engineering company in an emergency arbitration in Singapore concerning the restoration of bank guarantees. It also secured interim reliefs before the Telangana High Court for a US-based OTT platform regarding claims linked to technology servicing contracts.
In insolvency and related disputes, the firm acted for an insolvency trustee appointed by the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, managing the administration of assets for one of the largest edutech companies in India facing insolvency. It also represented a leading wind turbine manufacturer in an appeal before the Supreme Court of India related to a significant insolvency matter.
In the realm of regulatory litigation, the firm represented a leading construction multinational facing blacklisting in proceedings before the Rajasthan High Court and assisted one of India’s largest private banks in proceedings initiated against them for alleged violations before the Securities Appellate Tribunal. The firm also advised a prominent medical device manufacturer in a challenge against penalties imposed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority.
In white-collar crime, the firm has advised members of parliament facing allegations of corruption and breach of ethics, as well as a prominent political figure accused of fraud and bribery. Its proactive approach in complex commercial disputes further highlights its strategic prowess, representing a US insolvency trustee in a commercial suit involving assets of insolvent entities valued over $2.5 billion.
