• UK's celebrated NRI bags the coveted India's National Law Day Award

India, November 21^st At a glittering, well attended conference of eagle-eyed legal luminaries represented by the most hon'ble and eminent noted jurist of India at Vigyan Bhawan on 21st and 22nd November, 2009 – Mr. Vijay Goel, a high-profile London based NRI, partner with the most reputed Singhania & Co Solicitors & Indian Advocates and also the founder of the Indo-European Business Forum has been awarded the 'National Law Day Award' from Her Excellency, Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, the Hon'ble President of Republic of India for his most exemplary contributions in strengthening Indo-UK business relations, emits a thunderous applauds from the entire galaxy of who's who of the World of Law, Business and Corporate World.
Ahead of the first anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes, President Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated a two-day International Conference of Jurists on Terrorism, here on November 21.It was jointly organized by International Council of Jurists, All India Bar Association, All India Sr Advocates Association and Indian Council of Jurists(ICJ), Chief Justice of India Dr. Justice K. G. Balakrishnan was chairing the inaugural session while Union Minister for Law and Justice Dr. M Veerappa Moily, Chief Justice of Singapore, Hon'ble Mr Justice Chan Sek Keong and Judge, International Court of Justice, Hon'ble Justice Awn S. Al-Khasawneh were the Special Guests.

Apart from Mr Vijay Goel, these awards were also presented:

INTERNATIONAL JURISTS AWARD –

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Awn S. Al-Khasawneh (International Law) Judge, International Court of Justice

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Chan Sek Keong (Administration of Justice) Chief Justice of Singapore

Sir Gavin Lightman (Mediation & Arbitration) Ex. High Court Judge (Chancery Division), U.K.

Prof. C. Donald Johnson (Legal Education) Director, University of Georgia, School of Law, Dean Rusk Center, USA

Ms. Fatou Bensouda (Criminal Law) Head of Prosecution Division, International Criminal Court

NATIONAL LAW DAY AWARD – 2009

Mr. B.S. Hooda (Legal Affairs), Chief Minister of Haryana

In recognition of his untiring contribution to the promotion of fair and effective administration of legal affairs in the State of Haryana.
Hon'ble Mr. Justice Arijit Pasayat (Administration of Justice)Chairperson, Competition Appellate Tribunal

In recognition of his lifetime contribution to the cause of administration of justice. Mr. Gopal Subramanium (Jurisprudence),Solicitor General of India

For his sterling contribution for the advancement of the science of jurisprudence.
Mr. K.V. Viswanathan (Civil Law), Senior Advocate

In recognition of his total dedication to the advancement of the civil law.
Mr. Shardul Shroff (Corporate Law), Leading Corporate Lawyer

For his unique contribution to the field of corporate law and leadership in its practice. He has been instrumental in advancement of India's corporate law practice which now matches international standards.
Mr. Ramesh Gupta (Criminal Law),Senior Advocate

For his outstanding contribution to the study and practice of criminal law and as fearless advocate of rights of undertrials.
Mr. Ajit Mishra (Young Lawyer)

In recognition of his outstanding practice of law and being a role model to the young lawyers.
Mr. Vijay Goel (Commercial Law)

In recognition of his devotion to the study and practice of commercial laws between UK & INDIA

According to the reliable sources, Mr. Vijay Goel holds rich experience in Corporate Law, laws related to Joint Ventures and Foreign Collaborations. Mr. Vijay Goel is also an exponent of real estate transactions in India, UK and USA.
Mr. Vijay Goel has earned a wide acclaim and global fame for advising private equity funds to invest in India. Mr. Vijay Goel has also played a role of a catalyst in listing some noted Indian and US Corporate Giants on AIM, London, which has made him one of the most sought after legal maestro, according to some reliable sources in the ICJ. Moreover, he has demonstrated matchless advisory capabilities in assisting Indian Companies to acquire both Indian and European Companies in UK.
Mr. Vijay Goel has been at the forefront of mobilizing charitable funds as a renowned philanthropist and has been the recipient of "Glory of India Awards" besides many more other awards conferred upon him year after year.
After receiving this prestigious award, Mr. Vijay Goel said "I am delighted to receive this award. Today, India has embarked upon to become a 'Knowledge Superpower' amongst the committee of developed nations and the Indian economy has to be accorded utmost priority in becoming the champion of Asia Pacific rim in the Corporate and Business World. This award is not only acknowledges my humble contributions to the world of law and social justice in particular but also is global salute from the ICJ to India's giant strides in all round development of infrastructure and economy, which has made India proud and tall in more ways than one".
As the torch bearer and the founder of a top business platform better known as "Indo-EU Business Forum" in 2007, Mr. Vijay Goel has been a guiding light for the top notch galaxy of members of the House of Lords, Indian and European Parliamentarians besides top business tycoons and Corporate Moghuls from India and all across the globe. He is also a special advisor to Commonwealth Business Council.
As per the media reports, Singhania & Co is one the largest and one of the leading law firms from India. The firm is established in 1969, by Mr. D. C. Singhania a renowned Supreme Court Lawyer. Singhania & Co LLP London is a full service English Law firm based in Central London. The London office practices both Indian law and also UK Law. Singhania & Co LLP also has an office in New York which is a full service US Law firm based in New York. In India the firm is based in the cities of Bangalore, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

• Most Recent GDR done by our London office in year 2009 and 2010

Sr. No.	Company Name	Activity
1	Asahi Infrastructure and Projects	Real estate development, Low Cost Affordable Housing Colonies,.
2	Avon Corporation	Manufacturers of weighing scales and measures
3	CAT Technologies	Software Development, consulting and training.
4	IKF Technologies	Software development, ITES-BPO and Call Centre
5	IT People (India)	Information Technology business
6	K Sera  Sera Productions	Movies, television serials, music albums, audio/video/digital products.
7	Rana Sugars	Sugar production and distillery
8	Sterling International Enterprises	BPO, Oil and Gas.
9	FCS Software Solutions	Software development, Software Technology Park, Offshore Development Centre
10	Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision	Production, distribution and exhibition of motion pictures.
11	Sujana Metal Products	Manufacturing and marketing of value added steel products
12	Sujana Towers	Manufacturers of structural steel
13	Birla Power Solutions	Manufacture of portable generators, high KVA diesel generators, multi-purpose engines, water pumping set, sprayers, lawn mowers and power tillers.
14	Rainbow Papers	Paper manufacturing
15	Teledata Technology Solutions	IT Consulting, ERP, CRM and IT Hosting operations
16	SE Investments	NBFC

 

• Most Recent External Commercial Borrowing matters handled by our London office in year 2009 and 2010

Sr. No.	Company Name	Activity
1	Mumbai Metro Rail	Set up metro rail network in Mumbai
2	Delhi Metro Rail	Set up metro rail network in Delhi
3	Sterlite Energy	Design, procurement, ownership, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the 2400 MW coal based power project
4	Jhajjar Power	Design, procurement, ownership, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the 1320 MW (2 x 660 MW) coal based power project
5	Sasan Power	Development, design, procurement, ownership, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of 3960 MW Power Project and the Mine Project

 

• Political will needed to strengthen India's judicial system - Chief Justice of India

London, June 13 (PTI) Noting that the overall social indicators of access to justice in India are quite disappointing, Chief Justice of India, K G Balakrishnan today said polical will is needed if some meaningful progress is to be made in the country's judicial system.
Emphasising the paradox in the system, Chief Justice Balakrishnan said "even though the judicial system has been tackling a continuously rising case-load, the overall social indicators of access to justice are quite disappointing.
"The Limited reach of the justice-delivery system is especially worrisome in light of frequent reports of vigilante justice being meted out by local communities, often through informal bodies."
Inaugurating a two-day International Conference of Jurists on 'Judicial Reforms' at the Crown Plaza Hotel here, Chief Justice Balakrishnan presented an overview of the Indian Judicial system, the immense backlong of cases pending before Courts at all levels and said "The problem in this regard is that the creation of more courts at the district level depends on the initiative and financial commitments from the respective state governments, whereas the administration of the higher judiciary is the responsibility of the central government.
"Most State governments have been hesitant to commit resources for the expansion of the lower judiciary. This lack of political will needs to be highlighted if some meaningful progress is to be made in strengthening our judicial system.
"While it is understandable that thousands of newer courts cannot be created overnight, the State Governments must identify time-bound targets in this regard." The conference, organised by International Council of Jurists and the Society of Lincoln's Inn, was attended among others by Justice Awn S. Al-Khasaneh, Judge, International Court of Justice, Justice Min Bahadur, Rayamjhee, Chief Justice of Nepal, Ram Jethamalani, MP, Former Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs of India, Dr Adish C. Aggarwala, President, International Council of Jurists, Justice K S Radhakrishnan, chief justice of Gujarat High Court, and judges from several developed and developing countries. more pti hsr
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Jurists-Balakrishnan two
Ram Jethmalani said terrorism, one of the 11 subjects on the agenda, is the most important issue facing the society."
Noting that terrorists were invoking God for "all their filty things," Jethmalani said military action, as in Pakistan, was necessary but "what is necessary is demolition of their indoctrination that the God is on their side.
"It is a menace that is threatening the survival of civilisation. Terrorists have been indoctricated that God is on their side."
He wanted the Conference to discuss how to tackle this "great menace affecting the world peace." He said democracies of the world should pool "all their material and spiritual resources in meeting this menace."
Dr Adish Aggarwala, President, International Council of Jurists and Chairman, All India Bar Association said the Conference has been organised to discuss the urgent need for judicial reforms to keep pace with the rapid changes taking place in the global economy and to re-examine the constantly evolving role of the Judiciary so as to be responsive to the needs of society.
"An independent, efficient and accountable Judiciary is the hallmark of a working democracy which rests on the principle of checks and balances." Aggarwala said "It is notable that while new laws are being framed at a considerable speed, the capacity to enforce these laws has not met expectations in many countries."
He suggested that "the judiciary must rise to the occasion to strengthen the arms of the State in combating the problem of terrorism while maintaining the rule of law and protection of human rights." more pti hsr
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Jurists-Balakrishnan three last
Aggarwala said some of Indian delegates could not participte in the Conference on account of strict immigration norms of UK and the swine flue.
Vijay Goel, Partner Singhania & Co, founder of Indo-European Business Forum, speaking on Media in a Democracy, said "at times the media does not always live up to the ideal - hobbled by stringent laws - monopolistic ownership - and sometimes - the threat of brute force. Serious reporting is difficult to sustain in competitive media markets that put a premium on the shallow and sensational."
He said, moreover, "the media are sometimes used as proxies in the battle between rival political groups. In these cases the media contribute to public cynicism and democratic decay. The media should take extra care in such cases to ensure that the people are provided with true and unbiased information to enable them make an informed decision."
Presenting an overview of the Indian judicial system, Chief Justice Balakrishnan said the Indian judicial system consisted of about sanctioned strength of 16,685 judges in the subordinate courts, 886 judges in the High courts and 31 judges in the Supreme Court of India.
"The foremost problem is the immense backlog of cases pending before our courts at all levels," he said, adding "This increase in the volume of litigation can be attributed to improvements in education, socio-economic progress and better awareness of legal rights."

• UK Law Firms may be allowed to operate in India: CJI

Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan has said that UK law firms could be allowed to operate in India but a final decision in the matter would have to be taken by the Indian Bar Council.
"I don't think Indian Bar Council can continue to resist (the proposal to allow foreign law firms to operate in India)," the Chief Justice of India said here last evening while delivering a keynote address on 'Judicial Reforms in India' organised by the Indo-EU Business Forum' at the Court House hotel, in the heart of the city.
Asked if UK law firms can be allowed to do transactional work with the objective of facilitating foreign investment in India and to advise the foreign investors, Justice Balakrishnan said, "It should be decided by the Bar Council of India. I am sure it will come soon. Discussion between the Bar Council of India and its British counterpart has started. It may happen shortly and it will be helpful."
India's High Commissioner to the UK Shiv Shankar Mukherjee who spoke on the occasion, referred to the opening of legal system in India, saying, "Of course it is going to happen."
He said he was present during a meeting between Indian Law Minister, H R Bharadwaj and Britain's Secretary for Justice, Jack Straw, when the issue had figured prominently.
"I cannot give you a time frame but this is being handled at the senior level and it will be done."
Justice Balakrishnan also dwelt at length on the large number of cases pending in Indian courts and steps taken to deal with the issue.
Justice Pasayat said reforms of the judicial system must take into account the long delay in the disposal of cases which has resulted in huge arrears and heavy backlog of pending files in various courts in the country.
"The problem of delay and huge arrears is crucial and unless something is done about it, the whole judicial system may get crushed under the weight of arrears. For long the patience of the people has been taken for granted.
The need today is for some effective measures consistent with the demands of justice, equity and fair-play to accelerate the disposal of cases and clear the arrears."
At the same time, he cautioned that care must also be taken against undue speed or haste and "this would be substituting one evil for another."
Noting that the working condition of judicial officer is dismal, Justice Pasayat said "nevertheless, the disposal rate per judge is very high."
Vijay Goel, Founder of the Indo-EU Business Forum, said the Forum has been receiving queries from Indian corporate houses regarding acquisition of British companies.
Timothy Dutton QC, Chairman, Bar Council, allayed fears that if the Indian legal system was opened up, it would be swamped by British solicitors.
"On the other hand, Indian law firms may need specialist advice we British law firms could provide. We are prepared to share our expertise."
Lord Goldsmith QC, Former UK Attorney General, lauded the Indian Supreme Court for its "extraordinary judicial integrity".
"The Supreme court has dealt with some of the extraordinary social issues and taken active part in solving the problems," he said. Lord Goldsmith said liberalisation of legal services in India is absolutely necessary for the growth of Indian business itself.

• Foreign law firms set to operate in India: CJI

Foreign law firms would soon be allowed to operate from India and the Bar Council shall not be able to resist their entry, Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan said.
"I don't think the Bar Council of India can continue to resist the Chief Justice said here last evening while delivering the keynote address on 'Judicial Reforms in India' organised by the Indo-EU Business Forum.
"I cannot give you a time-frame but this (the proposal) is being handled at the senior level and it will be done," the Chief Justice of India said.
Law minister H R Bhardwaj had recently said that the legal fraternity in India should view the possibility of the entry of foreign law firms as an opportunity to grow and enjoy the 'fruits of litigation' by setting up partnership firms.
London, Sunday 02 November 2008:

• Judicial Reforms in India Conference - 31 Oct 2008