Sooraj Sharma

Sooraj has extensive experience advising clients on  asset tracing, recovery, and preservation, including  obtaining injunctive relief, worldwide asset freezing  orders, and search and seizure orders. He is well 

versed in handling enforcement proceedings before  Indian and foreign courts. 

Sooraj has significant experience conducting sensitive  internal investigations and managing regulatory and  criminal investigations. He assists clients in  conducting internal investigations, responding to  government inquiries, and effectively mitigating  reputational risks. Sooraj possesses a deep  understanding of the regulatory landscape and has  demonstrated success in managing complex cross border investigations.  

As a key member of our firm's white-collar defence  team, Sooraj specializes in offering strategic advice  and representation to clients confronted with criminal  investigations and prosecutions related to white-collar  crimes. 

Due to the sensitive nature of much of Sooraj's work  in this field, there may be limitations on the  information that can be disclosed.

Notable Works

• Acted as secretary/special counsel to a court appointed High Powered Committee led by a  former judge of the Supreme Court of India to  investigate a significant case of real estate fraud  affecting thousands of investors.  
• Advised a foreign state concerning global  enforcement proceedings and execution of a  worldwide freezing order.  
• Advised the former Chairman of one of the  world’s largest liquor makers (declared a fugitive  economic offender in India) in multiple legal  proceedings in India and UK concerning  bankruptcy, money laundering, debt enforcement  and claims for international protection.  
• Acted for an Indian public sector bank in  proceedings concerning attachment of  mortgaged properties as proceeds of crime by the  Enforcement Directorate in India under the anti money laundering laws.
• Acted for a leading Indian investment and  financial company in an internal inquiry  concerning allegations of financial misconduct  and violation of foreign exchange laws. 
• Acted for a C-Suite executive of a Canada and  UK-linked Indian financial services company  concerning an internal inquiry relating to  allegations of professional misconduct and  conflict of interest.  
• Acted for a leading real estate lender concerning  an internal inquiry initiated against a C-suite  executive for allegations of corruption and  violation of the employee code of conduct.  
• Acted for the President of one of Asia’s most expensive residential housing societies in a politically sensitive case before the High Court  and the Supreme Court of India concerning  allegations of a massive real estate fraud.  
• Acted for the Chairman, Director, and Senior  Executive of a leading mining and trading  company in India in criminal proceedings  initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation  concerning allegations of bribery and corruption.  
• Acted for a prominent land aggregator in India in  multiple proceedings before various tribunals and  courts, including the Supreme Court of India,  concerning allegations of money laundering  arising from India’s biggest spot exchange scam. 
• Advised a prominent businessperson with  interests in aviation, hospitality and real estate  concerning one of the first proceedings in India  under the Black Money Act.  
• Acted for a Dominican HNI in a plea for  anticipatory bail before the Supreme Court of  India concerning allegations of cross-border  cyber and crypto fraud in the United States and  India.  
• Acted for the directors and guarantors of a  leading food manufacturer concerning criminal  investigation for fraudulent misappropriation of  finance facility. 
• Advised a leading Chinese laser cutting company  in relation to allegations of fraud and anti circumvention duty.  
• Acted for the aggrieved investors against a  prominent real estate developer facing charges of  fraud and cheating in a multi-million-dollar real  estate investment fraud case. 
• Advised a prominent UAE-based entrepreneur  with interests in finance and manufacturing contractors concerning the imposition of  concerning criminal proceedings emanating from  an alleged willful default on a loan facility in India.  • Acted for a prominent individual facing charges  of corruption and money laundering in a  significant scam in India concerning medical  entrance examination, admission and  recruitment. 

Sooraj’s corporate and commercial practice straddles  between contentious and non-contentious work. His  extensive experience lies in providing invaluable  counsel on corporate governance and cross-border  commercial issues. 

Sooraj is a trusted legal advisor to HNIs, C-suite  executives and boards embroiled in complex business  situations. He is adept in formulating and executing  effective crisis management plans and strategic  responses that guide clients through turbulent and  uncertain times. Clients turn to him to solve their most  significant legal problems in and out of the courtroom.  His specialization in commercial and transactional  disputes brings high proficiency to corporate matters,  ensuring optimal outcomes before courts and  tribunals. 

Due to the sensitive nature of Sooraj's practice in this  area, there may be limitations on the information that  can be disclosed. 

Notable Work 

• Acted for the promoters of one of the largest  luxury goods manufacturers in the Middle East in  disputes relating to the Family Business  Governance Agreement and apportionment of  multi-billion-dollar group assets spread  worldwide.  
• Advised a leading global audit firm concerning  the applicability and interpretation of a specific  provision in Indian company laws in a case  concerning a multi-billion-dollar financial fraud.  
• Advised a leading Indian housing finance  company concerning disclosure requirements for  listed companies under SEBI (Listing Obligations  and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.  
• Advised in the acquisition of a controlling stake  in a leading industrial development bank in India  by a state-owned entity.  
• Advised one of the world's leading EPC  contractors concerning the imposition of  liquidated damages in a turnkey contract for a  supercritical thermal plant.  
• Acted for India's leading battery manufacturer in  proceedings before the commercial court and the  High Court in disputes relating to the invocation  of bank guarantee.  
• Acted for the largest international airport in India  in issues concerning the online sale and purchase  of duty-free liquor and the interpretation and  application of the relevant laws.  
• Acted for one of the busiest airports in India in a  significant commercial dispute with airline  operators.  
• Advised India's leading construction company  concerning the interpretation and application of  termination and force majeure clauses in a  significant metro construction contract.  
• Acted for a South Africa-linked green technology  company in relation to the development of two  green sustainable township projects in North East India.  
• Acted for an Agri-tech company concerning a  mega commercial plantation project in Northeast  India.  
• Advised an Indian company concerning the  acquisition of a South African company’s  controlling stake in a prominent beverage  company in India.  
• Advised a consortium of investors with interests  in hospitality concerning an over USD 800  million purchase bid of an iconic hotel property  in New York City from its India-based owners.  
• Advised a Singaporean company concerning a  government bid to procure and supply health  equipment in India.  
• Advised a leading energy company in India on  post-acquisition issues concerning the state's  imposition of land transfer fees.  
• Advised one of the largest telecom majors in  India concerning the Supreme Court of India’s  decision on the Adjusted Gross Revenue for  levying License fees and Spectrum Usage  Charges.  
• Advised a South African entity on issues  concerning the acquisition of a majority stake in  the Indian subsidiary of a leading Construction &  Engineering company engaged in a mega  infrastructure development project.  
• Advised the Director of a leading Indian luxury  hotel group concerning a case of oppression and  mismanagement. 
• Advised a Special Purpose Vehicle (a joint  venture between two notable Indian business  corporations undertaking a major road  development project) on a commercial dispute  with the state regarding the interpretation of the  concession agreement and revenue sharing from  toll collection. 
• Acted for a leading real estate developer in  Northern India in proceedings before various  courts and tribunals in disputes on the sale and  auction of one of the most expensive commercial  real estates in central Delhi.  
• Advised a leading real estate developer in Delhi  (NCR) concerning a complex asset swap scheme  with another prominent developer involving a  mega township project.  
• Advised an Indian business enterprise on the  acquisition of industrial assets from the United  Kingdom.  
• Joint Venture dispute between a real estate major  and a leading retail and hospitality company. 
• Acted for a religious trust on issues concerning  breach of construction contract by a leading  Indian construction and engineering contractor  in relation to the construction of the world's  tallest religious skyscraper.  

Sooraj is a specialist in defamation and reputational  risk matters. He provides strategic counsel and  representation to clients facing defamation claims and  helps mitigate reputational risks. With extensive  knowledge of defamation laws, Sooraj guides clients  through legal processes, both in pursuing and  defending against defamation claims. He also assists in  proactively managing reputational risks, offering  tailored strategies for crisis management, media  relations, and communication. 

The sensitive nature of much of Sooraj’s work in this  practice area limits the information that can be  disclosed.  

Notable Work  

• Acted for one of the world’s largest business  conglomerates in multiple cases of civil and  criminal defamation against various Indian and  global media outlets and persons concerning  allegedly defamatory and factually incorrect  publications.  
• Acted for one of the world’s largest non-profit  organizations and its office bearers in civil and  criminal defamation proceedings in India.  
• Acted for a former C-suite executive in criminal  defamation proceedings against a leading Indian  financial services company.  

involving debt recovery processes, insolvency  proceedings, and corporate restructuring. His  expertise includes acting for financial and operational  creditors, corporate debtors, and personal guarantors  in insolvency proceedings in India and advising clients  on issues related to cross-border insolvency. He has  extensive experience advising resolution professionals  and the committee of creditors on complex insolvency  issues. He is proficient in leading complex corporate  restructurings and litigations alongside devising  innovative and compliant strategies. Sooraj has  delivered significant recoveries for clients and  provides bespoke solutions for businesses under  distress.  

Notable Work  

• Advised a Petrochemical major on issues  pertaining to debts and non-performing assets  amounting to USD 750 million. 
• Advised the world's leading integrated steel and  mining company concerning its USD 5 billion  acquisition bid of a debt-laden company  undergoing insolvency.  
• Acted for a leading housing bank concerning  enforcement of a financial debt before the  National Company Law Tribunal.  
• Advised the former chairperson of India's largest  spirits company and a defunct airline concerning  personal bankruptcy proceedings before the High  Court of England and Wales.  
• Advised the resolution professional of an  infrastructure major in India undergoing  corporate insolvency concerning the admission  of claims by creditors.  
• Advised a leading asset reconstruction company  on various issues concerning debt enforcement  and corporate insolvency.  
• Advised a leading asset reconstruction company  on various issues concerning debt enforcement  and corporate insolvency.  
• Acted for a major real estate developer before the  Debt Recovery Tribunal in Mumbai in relation to  a prominent land parcel in central Delhi valued at  over USD 150 million.

Sooraj has considerable experience in handling high profile extradition cases involving Indian nationals  declared as fugitive economic offenders. He has  successfully assisted clients in dealing with various  challenges related to data access, correction/deletion,  and the cancellation of Interpol Red Notices and  Diffusions. Additionally, Sooraj has a proven track  record of representing prominent individuals,  entrepreneurs, and C-suite executives in complex  international cases. These cases often involve mutual 

legal assistance treaties and investigations into cross border financial crimes, such as fraud, anti-bribery,  anti-money laundering, and conflicts of interest. 

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of  Sooraj's practice in this area, there are limitations on  the information that can be disclosed. 

Notable Work  

• Advised a former diamantaire (declared a fugitive  economic offender and the subject of an  extradition effort by the Indian government from  the UK on allegations of a multi-billion-dollar  fraud and money laundering) concerning claims  for international protection.  
• Acted for the C-suite executives of a leading  Indian business conglomerate concerning  investigative requests by a foreign state made  under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and in  proceedings before the Commission for Control  of Interpol Files (CCF), Interpol for cancellation  of Diffusion Notices issued by the National  Central Bureau (NCB) of a foreign state on  charges of cross border financial fraud and  money laundering. 
• Acted for an Indian business tycoon and former  politician facing extradition to India concerning  claims for international protection.  
• Advised a prominent Indian defence contractor  concerning extradition proceedings under the  UK-India Extradition Treaty.  
• Acted for two prominent Belgian residents on  proceedings before the CCF, Interpol, for  cancellation of Red Notices issued at the request  of NCB, India, on allegations of a multi-billion 

Sooraj is a dispute resolution specialist. He brings  significant experience in multijurisdictional disputes  before Indian and foreign courts and international  arbitral tribunals. He has acted as counsel and  assistant/secretary to the tribunal in over 75  international arbitration proceedings seated in India,  Singapore, London, Paris, DIFC, Hong Kong, Kuala  Lumpur, Bhutan, and Nepal under both ad hoc and  institutional rules. This experience also includes  arbitration-related litigations before Indian and  foreign courts, strategizing and acting for clients in  enforcement, and setting aside proceedings  worldwide.  

One of Sooraj's unique contributions to arbitration  proceedings is his background as a tribunal secretary  and assistant to arbitral tribunals. He has worked  alongside esteemed common law and civil law  arbitrators, giving him a distinctive perspective and  valuable insights into handling complex arbitration  cases. He is also a trained international mediator and  cross-culture negotiator and accepts appointments as  a mediator in civil and commercial disputes.  

Due to confidentiality constraints, there are  limitations on the information that can be disclosed  regarding Sooraj's practice in this area. 

Notable Work  

• Acted for a sovereign state/head of state in a  complex international litigation concerning a  mega cross-border fraud and asset tracing,  freezing and recovery.  
• Acted for the Italian Republic on issues  concerning Indian law and the law of the seas in  an inter-state arbitration before the Permanent  Court of Arbitration, Hague, under Annex VII of  the United Nations Convention on the Law of  the Sea (UNCLOS)- PCA Case No. 2015-28: The  'Enrica Lexie’ Incident (Italy v. India) 
• Acted for the world’s largest commercial real  estate services and investment firm in relation to  a significant commercial litigation before the  High Court of England and Wales.  
• SIAC arbitration between a Singaporean  commodity trading major and an Indonesian  mining company. 

• Advised a state-owned entity concerning the  enforcement of an arbitral award in a European  State.  
• Singapore seated SIAC arbitration between a  Singaporean commodity trading major and an  Indonesian mining company.  
• SIAC arbitration between a significant Private  Equity Fund and a leading global manufacturer of  PVC-based products concerning the validity and  enforceability of a put option deed under Indian  laws. 
• Advised a global biopharmaceutical major  concerning patient confidentiality and privacy  under Indian laws in a motion for a temporary  restraining order and preliminary injunctive relief  before the United States Southern District of  New York. 
• Advised an international oil and gas exploration  company on various aspects of Indian law and  interpretation of a Production Sharing  Agreement in relation to enforcement  proceedings before the United States District  Court of Columbia.  
• Advised a major financial institution on issues of  Indian commercial laws in proceedings before  the High Court of England and Wales.  
• Acted for India's leading steam coal importer  before the Supreme Court of India against a  leading Swiss energy and commodities trader in  proceedings concerning the enforcement of a  London-seated foreign arbitral award.  
• Advised a leading Indian multi-format retailer on  issues of Indian law in a SIAC arbitration with the  world's leading technology and e-commerce  company.  
• Ad hoc arbitration between an Indian state owned power generation corporation and a  construction contractor (a joint venture between  two construction and engineering majors from  Austria and India) concerning a 520 MW  Hydropower project.  
• A multi-billion-dollar ad hoc arbitration between  a Russian state-owned industrial conglomerate  and an Indian state-owned energy major  concerning the construction of a Mega Power  

• Dispute between a foreign state nuclear  corporation and a leading Indian business  conglomerate-Hong Kong seated arbitration.  
• Ad hoc arbitration between a major General  Insurance company and one of the world’s largest  Petrochemical conglomerates concerning a  business interruption claim arising out of a Mega  Package Insurance Policy.  
• LCIA arbitration between an Indian  pharmaceutical major and an Italy-linked global  biopharmaceutical company concerning the  breach of an exclusive distribution agreement.  
• Two consolidated ad hoc arbitrations between a  Singapore-based trading company and an Indian  manufacturer and supplier of furnace  consumables.  
• Ad hoc arbitration between a leading Indian  marketing and events company and a US-linked  entity  
• UNCITRAL arbitration concerning multiple disputes arising between an Indian energy major and a Swiss global engineering conglomerate  concerning the construction of a grassroots oil  refinery.  
• ICC arbitration between a consortium of two  Japanese & Indian companies and an Indian  state-owned entity concerning an FIDIC  modelled construction contract.  
• SIAC arbitration arising from a Shareholders  Agreement between a Mauritius-based  investment fund and an Indian construction  major.  
• Ad hoc arbitration between one of the world's  largest oilfield services companies and an Indian  Oil & Gas major concerning the exploration of  shale gas reserves.  
• Ad hoc arbitration between a Canadian oil field  services company and an Indian hydrocarbon  exploration and production company.  

• Two consolidated arbitrations between an Indian  gas line transmission company and a consortium  of a leading Indian and Iranian EPC contractor  concerning the high-pressure natural gas pipeline  construction.  
• Two consolidated arbitrations concerning two  major expressway construction projects in India.  
• LCIA arbitration concerning a supply contract  between a German and an Indian company.  
• Two consolidated ad hoc arbitrations between  the Indian subsidiary of a leading Canadian  construction consulting company and an Indian  infrastructure company concerning a contract for  consultancy services.  
• Dispute between a leading Singapore-based  international luxury hotel management and  operations company and a leading Indian retail  mall developer.  
• Ad hoc arbitration between a leading real estate  developer and an Australian construction major.  • Two consolidated arbitrations between a French  global energy management company and a  leading Indian renewable energy major  concerning two solar power plants.  
• Two consolidated arbitrations concerning a  Production Sharing Agreement between India’s  biggest energy conglomerate and a leading  upstream oil and gas company.  
• ICC arbitration concerning a project for setting  up a sinter plant between India's largest steel  producer and a consortium of Indian and  German engineering and construction  contractors.  
• Ad hoc arbitration between a multinational  shipping corporation and an Indian public sector  undertaking on termination of a shipping  contract. 
• Advised a leading manganese ore trader with  mining interests in Africa against a leading Hong  Kong-based commodities trader concerning the  enforcement of a SIAC award. 

Sooraj has a strong background in public law and  policy practice in India. He provides strategic advice  on constitutional law, administrative law, and  regulatory compliance. Sooraj represents clients in  significant litigation cases before Indian courts,  including the Supreme Court. He also offers advisory  services to government bodies and stakeholders on  policy development and regulatory compliance.  Sooraj’s expertise helps clients navigate the  complexities of public law and policy in India,  ensuring adherence to legal frameworks and achieving  favourable outcomes. 

Notable Work  

• Acted for the aggrieved landowners in a multi billion-dollar eminent domain dispute before the  Supreme Court of India concerning a prominent  land parcel in Mumbai, India.  
• Acted for the Akshaya Patra Foundation before  the Chief Justice’s bench of the Delhi High Court  in suo moto proceedings concerning food supply  to night shelters in Delhi.  
• Acted for a leading higher education institution in  Northeast India before the Supreme Court of  India against the dismissal of a writ petition by  the High Court of Orissa concerning the grant of  approval to run teacher training courses by the  National Council for Teacher Education, India. 
• Acted in a petition seeking special leave to appeal  before the Supreme Court of India in a case  impugning a decision of the High Court on the  administrative side concerning a court staff.  
• Acted for a public charitable trust running the  world’s biggest free school lunch programme in  matters pertaining to government contracts  before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme  Court of India.  
• Acted for a senior bureaucrat before the Supreme  Court of India against the state in relation to  malafides in transfer orders.
• Acted for a foreign national before the High  Courts and the Supreme Court of India in  relation to enforcement of an order by the  Superior Court of California in India. The case  involved significant issues of private international  law and Indian law regarding guardianship and  custody.  
• Acted for senior government officials before the  Supreme Court of India in a case concerning  promotion and arbitrary state action.  
• Advised on legal and policy issues on the Mid Day Meal scheme (free school lunch) under the  National Food Security Act, including successful  representation on behalf of a leading non-profit  in the sector before the government authorities  on significant policy issues impacting over 2  million school-going children in India.  
• Special Counsel to a Supreme Court-appointed  High-Powered Committee led by a former judge  of the Supreme Court of India for dealing with  issues concerning the transfer and import of  captive wild animals in India.  

Sooraj's sports and gaming practice revolves around  providing legal and policy advisory services to  prominent sports associations and gaming companies  in India. This includes serving as a trusted advisor to  a leading fantasy sports platform and other significant  players in the game of skill domain. Drawing from his  experience as an advisor to the office of the  Ombudsman for two prominent cricket associations  in India, Sooraj brings valuable insights to his clients.  Sooraj's expertise in this field allows him to offer  strategic guidance and counsel in navigating India's  legal and regulatory landscape of sports and gaming.