private client

Regulator’s Gaze over Unutilised Foreign Contributions of NGOs

Summary: As per the recent reports, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued show cause notices to several NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, asking why their registrations should not be cancelled in cases where foreign contributions have neither been received nor utilised for three consecutive financial years. While prolonged non-utilisation may, in the regulator’s view, raise questions on an organisation’s bona fide intent, the development has sparked debate on whether non-utilisation of foreign funds alone can justify cancellation, particularly where NGOs continue to pursue their objectives through other lawful means.Continue Reading Regulator’s Gaze over Unutilised Foreign Contributions of NGOs

FCRA Renewals: Evolving Realities and Key Takeaways

The process of renewing registrations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (“FCRA”), has been subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny, as the Ministry of Home Affairs focuses on stricter compliance and oversight. While aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions, recent trends reveal recurring practical challenges, from procedural delays and unclear transitional guidance to discretionary refusals and non-speaking rejection orders. Some High Courts and the Supreme Court have also weighted in recently on this matter, highlighting the need for a balanced regulatory approach that safeguards national interest while facilitating FCRA registered entities to operate with continuity and confidence within a structured and reasonable compliance framework.Continue Reading FCRA Renewals: Evolving Realities and Key Takeaways

Section 8 Company Limited by Guarantee: An Alternative to Traditional Section 8 for FEMA & FCRA Issues Faced by Foreign Owned and Controlled Entities

Summary: The blog discusses the progressive shift in the implementation of CSR activities by foreign-owned and controlled entities, and how a Section 8 company limited by guarantee can serve as an alternative to the challenges faced by traditional Section 8 companies under the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.Continue Reading Section 8 Company Limited by Guarantee: An Alternative to Traditional Section 8 for FEMA & FCRA Issues Faced by Foreign Owned and Controlled Entities

Promoter Incentives: Two Steps Closer, and Many Steps To Go

Summary: The blog analyses the amendments made to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 in relation to (i) the regulatory developments around allowing the top brass of India Inc’s new age technology companies to retain their ESOPs upon being classified as ‘promoters’ during the IPO process and (ii) the amendments undertaken to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 earlier this year.Continue Reading Promoter Incentives: Two Steps Closer, and Many Steps To Go

Promoter Not Found(er)? SEBI’s Scrutiny of Professionally Managed Companies

Introduction

As India Inc gallops toward becoming one of the largest start-up ecosystems of the world[1] and more start-ups gear up to become IPO-ready[2], there is a need to ensure that “ease of doing business” is rooted in the highest standards of corporate governance to protect the interests of minority investors.Continue Reading Promoter Not Found(er)? SEBI’s Scrutiny of Professionally Managed Companies

In the pink … Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig with Evie, the new sibling for Peppa Pig and her brother, George. Photograph: Hasbro Entertainment/PA , Source: The Guardian

Congratulations to Mummy & Daddy Pig, who were blessed with a baby girl piglet, Evie Pig, on May 20! Our favourite Peppa and her adorable baby brother, George, are squealing with delighter over their baby sister, Evie.Continue Reading Peppa Pig has a new sister! What should Mummy & Daddy Pig do about their estate plan?

Revoking Gifts by Senior Citizens: Supreme Court judgment ‘Beneficial’ but questions remain

Introduction

In our previous blog post (accessed here), we discussed the judgement of the Supreme Court (SC) in Sudesh Chhikara v. Ramti Devi & Anr[1] (Sudesh Chhikara), whichheld that a gift or transfer of property by a senior citizen may be declared void by a Maintenance Tribunal only if certain conditions as set out in section 23(1) of the under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 (Senior Citizens Act) are fulfilled.Continue Reading Revoking Gifts by Senior Citizens: Supreme Court judgment ‘Beneficial’ but questions remain

The importance of brand strategy and management for large family businesses

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, a robust brand strategy is crucial for any organisation, especially large conglomerates that bear a family name. A well-defined brand strategy can not only establish a strong market presence, it can also mitigate potential conflicts, ensure consistency, and protect the brand’s legacy.Continue Reading The importance of brand strategy and management for large family businesses