- Sooraj Sharma
- Partner
Practice Co-Chair – Transnational Litigation and International Arbitration | Asset Recovery, Enforcement, Global Investigations & White-Collar Crime | Corporate Advisory, Governance & Compliance
Practice Overview
Sooraj specializes in advisory and advocacy work across a wide range of commercial, international trade, investment, regulatory, and white-collar crime matters. He provides strategic advice and representation to sovereign states (including G7 members), international organizations, business conglomerates, and business leaders, frequently acting as global coordinating counsel to align legal strategy and execution across jurisdictions. He has extensive experience in high-value transnational litigation, international arbitrations seated in major arbitral hubs, and enforcement proceedings across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
His practice encompasses high-stakes corporate, commercial, and shareholder disputes, as well as complex financial conflicts resolved before Indian and foreign courts and arbitral tribunals. Over the past decade, he has acted in more than a hundred international arbitrations under both ad hoc (UNCITRAL Rules) and institutional regimes, including ICC, LCIA, SIAC, DIAC, GAFTA, FOSFA, PCA, and ICADR.
Alongside disputes, he advises boards, multinational corporations, and entrepreneurs on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk management. His advisory work covers cross-border investment structuring, ESG mandates, technology governance, and data protection, with an emphasis on anticipating legal exposure and aligning corporate decision-making with international best practices. He also handles politically sensitive matters spanning multiple jurisdictions, including sovereign asset recovery and extradition proceedings, with significant work involving Indian nationals declared fugitive economic offenders and claims for international protection. His work further extends to issues concerning Interpol Red Notices, diffusions, and data access, correction, or deletion, as well as cross-border financial crime investigations involving mutual legal assistance treaties, fraud, anti-bribery, anti-money-laundering, and conflicts of interest. In these matters, he represents notable individuals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders navigating the intersection of domestic and international law.
Collaboration is integral to Sooraj’s approach, and he frequently partners with lawyers worldwide to provide strategic guidance and address challenges in national and international cases. He is seasoned in large-scale disputes and regularly appears before India’s trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court. His expertise spans sectors such as banking and finance, media, energy, infrastructure, real estate, insurance, life sciences, blockchain, technology, AI, data privacy, commodities, trusts, and ESG issues.
Sooraj’s work has been consistently recognized by leading international directories and publications. He was named India Lawyer of the Year at the asialaw Awards 2024, featured among the Top 100 Individual Lawyers in the Forbes India Legal Powerlist 2023, and ranked as a Future Star by Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2023–2025). He is also recommended by Legal 500 Asia-Pacific (2024–2025), recognized as a Notable Practitioner by asialaw (2024–2025), and listed as a Leading Lawyer in Dispute Resolution, Arbitration & Litigation (2024–2025) by Legal Era.
Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific describes him as “an incredibly intelligent and hardworking lawyer who understands the needs of the client” and “a phenomenal tactician with a brilliant legal mind.” According to asialaw, he is “extremely strategic and insightful… highly skilled in complex international disputes,” and “fantastic, a true star, and the perfect lawyer to have by your side – his expert guidance during my complex case was invaluable.” Client feedback in asialaw also praises him as “accessible, diligent and sees the bigger picture,” and “a pleasure to work with.” He has been described as “an absolute powerhouse in international disputes, blending razor-sharp expertise with an unwavering commitment to clients that blows the competition away.” Legal 500 Asia-Pacific adds that he is “a fantastic advocate who gives robust, clear advice and is great with clients,” and “an exceptional talent in commercial litigation and international arbitration.”
Awards & Recognition
- India Lawyer of the Year — asialaw Awards, 2024
- Top 100 Individual Lawyers — Forbes India Legal Powerlist, 2023
- Future Star — Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific (2023–2025)
- Recommended Lawyer — The Legal 500 (2024, 2025)
- Notable Practitioner — asialaw (2024–2025)
- Leading Lawyer— Legal Era: Dispute Resolution, Arbitration & Litigation 2024–25
Expertise
Asset Recovery, Enforcement, Global Investigations & White-Collar Crime
Sooraj’s work spans cross-border asset recovery and enforcement, including injunctive relief, worldwide freezing orders, and measures for preservation, search, and seizure of assets before Indian and foreign courts. He has substantial experience in conducting sensitive internal, regulatory, and criminal investigations, assisting clients in responding to government inquiries and managing reputational and compliance risks. His practice also encompasses advising and representing clients in complex cross-border financial crime matters and prosecutions, with a particular focus on white-collar offences and multi-jurisdictional enforcement challenges.
Notable Work
- Acted in landmark sovereign asset recovery litigation for a G7 state, advising on complex cross-border investigation, enforcement, and recovery measures across multiple jurisdictions.
- Advised the former Chairman of a global liquor conglomerate—declared a fugitive economic offender in India—on cross-border insolvency and money-laundering proceedings in India and related claims for international protection in the UK.
- Acted as 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.
- Acted for a former C-suite executive in bail proceedings before the Supreme Court of India arising from a multi-billion-dollar financial crime investigation.
- Acted for a key accused in a high-profile money laundering and illegal betting case linked to an online platform, involving alleged transactions exceeding USD 720 million, in proceedings before multiple forums including the Supreme Court of India.
- Acted for an Indian public sector bank in appellate proceedings concerning attachment of mortgaged properties as alleged proceeds of crime under India’s anti-money laundering laws.
- Acted for a leading Indian financial services group in an internal inquiry into alleged financial misconduct and violations 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 in an internal inquiry against a C-suite executive involving alleged corruption and breach of the code of conduct.
- Acted for the President of one of India’s most prominent residential welfare societies in politically sensitive proceedings before the High Court and the Supreme Court of India involving allegations of large-scale real estate fraud.
- Acted for C-suite executives of a leading Indian commodities trading company in CBI proceedings involving alleged bribery and corruption.
- Acted for a prominent land aggregator in multiple proceedings, including before the Supreme Court of India, in connection with money laundering allegations linked to India’s largest spot exchange scam.
- Advised a prominent businessperson with interests in aviation, hospitality, and real estate in one of the first proceedings in India under the Black Money Act.
- Acted for a Dominican high-net-worth individual in anticipatory bail proceedings before the Supreme Court of India involving allegations of cross-border cyber and crypto fraud spanning the United States and India.
- Acted for the directors and guarantors of a leading food manufacturer in a criminal investigation into alleged fraudulent misappropriation of a finance facility.
- Acted for a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced engineering machinery in multijurisdictional fraud investigations.
- Acted for aggrieved investors against a prominent real estate developer in a multi-million-dollar investment fraud case involving allegations of fraud and cheating.
- Advised a prominent UAE-based entrepreneur with interests in finance and manufacturing in criminal proceedings arising from an alleged wilful default on a loan facility in India.
- Advised a prominent individual facing charges of corruption and money laundering in a significant scam in India relating to medical examinations, and recruitment.
Corporate Advisory, Governance & Compliance
Sooraj’s practice in this area combines advisory and disputes work with a strong emphasis on governance, compliance, and strategic risk management. He regularly advises boards, C-suite executives, and high-net-worth individuals on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and cross-border commercial issues. His work covers both traditional corporate matters and emerging areas, including ESG obligations, data protection frameworks, technology governance, and the evolving regulation of artificial intelligence.
Alongside advisory mandates, Sooraj assists clients in navigating complex governance disputes, regulatory investigations, and compliance-driven litigation before Indian and foreign courts. He is frequently engaged to design and implement crisis management strategies, ensuring business continuity and reputational protection during periods of heightened regulatory or commercial risk. Clients rely on his ability to integrate dispute resolution expertise with forward-looking compliance advice, enabling effective responses to both immediate challenges and long-term regulatory developments.
Notable Work
- Advised the promoters of a leading Middle Eastern luxury goods manufacturer in disputes over a Family Business Governance Agreement and the division of multi-billion-dollar group assets worldwide.
- Advised a global audit firm on its responsibility to report fraud under Indian company law and related issues of professional liability.
- Advised a consortium of hospitality investors on an USD 800 million bid to acquire an iconic New York City hotel property from India-based owners.
- Advised a leading Indian housing finance company on disclosure obligations for listed entities under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
- Advised on the acquisition of a controlling stake in a leading Indian development bank by a state-owned entity.
- Advised one of the world’s leading EPC contractors on liquidated damages under a turnkey contract for a supercritical thermal power plant.
- Acted for India’s leading battery manufacturer in proceedings before the commercial court and the High Court concerning invocation of a bank guarantee.
- Acted for India’s largest international airport in matters relating to the online sale of duty-free liquor and the interpretation of applicable laws.
- Acted for one of the busiest airports in India in a significant commercial dispute with airline operators.
- Advised India’s leading construction company on termination and force majeure provisions in a major metro construction contract.
- Advised a South Africa-linked green technology company on the development of two sustainable township projects in Northeast India.
- Acted for an agri-tech company in relation to a large-scale commercial plantation project in Northeast India.
- Advised an Indian company on the acquisition of a South African entity’s controlling stake in a prominent Indian beverage company.
- Advised a Singaporean company on a government procurement bid for the supply of health equipment in India.
- Advised a leading Indian energy company on post-acquisition issues relating to the state’s imposition of land transfer fees.
- Advised a leading Indian telecom company on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Adjusted Gross Revenue and its impact on licence fees and spectrum usage charges.
- Advised a South African entity on acquiring a majority stake in the Indian subsidiary of a leading construction and engineering company involved in a major infrastructure project.
- Advised the Director of a leading Indian luxury hotel group in proceedings involving allegations of oppression and mismanagement.
- Advised a Special Purpose Vehicle formed by two major Indian business groups for a road development project in a commercial dispute with the state over the concession agreement and toll revenue sharing.
- Acted for a leading North India–based real estate developer in proceedings before courts and tribunals concerning the sale and auction of a high-value commercial property in central Delhi.
- Advised a leading Delhi NCR–based real estate developer on a complex asset swap with another major developer involving a large township project.
- Advised an Indian business enterprise on the acquisition of industrial assets in the United Kingdom.
- Advised in a joint venture dispute between a major real estate company and a leading retail and hospitality group.
- Acted for a religious trust in a dispute over breach of contract by a leading Indian construction and engineering company concerning the construction of the world’s tallest religious skyscraper.
Defamation And Reputation Management
Sooraj is experienced in defamation and reputational risk matters, providing strategic counsel and representation to clients facing defamation claims while also assisting in proactive reputation management. He advises clients on both pursuing and defending defamation proceedings, and offers tailored strategies for crisis management, media relations, and communication. His practice combines legal expertise with a practical understanding of reputational dynamics in high-profile and sensitive matters.
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.
- Acted for a leading global advanced industrial machinery manufacturer against a UK publication concerning defamatory content.
Debt Recovery, Insolvency and Restructuring
Sooraj is skilled in managing a broad range of cases 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.
- 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.
Extradition, Mutual Legal Assistance, and INTERPOL
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
- Acted for 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 Diffusions 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-dollar cross-border financial fraud and money laundering.
Transnational Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Sooraj is a dispute resolution specialist with extensive experience in multijurisdictional disputes before Indian and foreign courts and leading arbitral institutions. He has acted in more than a hundred international arbitrations seated in India, Singapore, London, Paris, DIFC, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bhutan, and Nepal, under both ad hoc (UNCITRAL) and institutional rules (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, DIAC, GAFTA, FOSFA, PCA, ICADR). His work also extends to arbitration-related litigation worldwide, including enforcement, recognition, and setting-aside proceedings.
A distinctive aspect of his background is his early experience as tribunal secretary and assistant to arbitral tribunals, working alongside eminent arbitrators from both common law and civil law traditions. This has given him unique procedural insight and a nuanced perspective on complex arbitration proceedings. In addition, he is a trained international mediator and cross-cultural negotiator, and accepts appointments as mediator in civil and commercial disputes.
Notable Work
- Acted for His Majesty the King in Right of Canada in complex international litigation involving cross-border fraud and the freezing and recovery of sovereign assets.
- Acted for the Italian Republic in inter-state arbitration before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague, under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in The Enrica Lexie Incident(Italy v. India, PCA Case No. 2015-28), addressing issues of Indian law and the law of the sea.
- 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.
- 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 company on issues of patient confidentiality and privacy under Indian law in connection with a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunctive relief before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- Advised an international oil and gas exploration company on Indian law issues and the interpretation of a Production Sharing Agreement in enforcement proceedings before the U.S. District Court for the District 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 Plant.
- Two consolidated arbitrations under ICC Rules between a Slovenian heavy machinery manufacturer and an Indian engineering, construction, and infrastructure major.
- 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.
- ICA arbitration between a Singapore-based trading major and India’s largest state-owned trading corporation concerning the supply of imported steam coal of Indonesian origin to India.
- Ad hoc arbitration between a leading Chinese Construction and Engineering company and an Indian Aluminium major concerning the construction of a captive power plant.
- Ad hoc arbitration emanating from an EPC Contract between a leading construction contractor in India and the National Highways Authority in a dispute concerning delay and price escalation.
- 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.
- Advised the Director of a Singapore-based technology company in setting aside proceedings concerning a post-M&A dispute under Singapore Law.
- Advised a global technology consulting and digital solutions company in the enforcement of an ICC award seated in DIFC against a UAE-based EPC contractor.
- Co-counsel for the lead petitioner in a curative petition before a seven-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India in a significant case concerning the validity of unstamped arbitration agreements.
Public Law & Policy
Sooraj has extensive experience in public law and policy matters in India, advising on constitutional, administrative, and regulatory issues. He regularly represents clients in significant litigation before Indian courts, including the Supreme Court of India, in cases involving state action, governance, and fundamental rights. His advisory practice spans government bodies, public institutions, Indian and foreign corporations, and international organizations, particularly in the development and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks. His work in this area combines strategic litigation with policy advisory, enabling clients to navigate complex regulatory regimes while shaping governance and development outcomes.
Notable Work
- Acted for aggrieved landowners in a multi-billion-dollar eminent domain dispute before the Supreme Court of India concerning a prominent land parcel in Mumbai.
- Acted for the Akshaya Patra Foundation before the Chief Justice’s Bench of the Delhi High Court in suo motu 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 in proceedings relating to approval by the National Council for Teacher Education to conduct teacher training courses.
- Acted in a petition for special leave to appeal before the Supreme Court of India challenging a High Court decision on the administrative side concerning court staff.
- Acted for a public charitable trust operating the world’s largest free school lunch programme in matters concerning government contracts before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
- Acted for a senior bureaucrat before the Supreme Court of India in proceedings challenging mala fide transfer orders.
- Acted for a foreign national before the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India in enforcement proceedings concerning a guardianship and custody order of the Superior Court of California, raising significant issues of private international law and Indian law.
- Acted for senior government officials before the Supreme Court of India in proceedings concerning promotion and arbitrary state action.
- Advised on legal and policy issues relating to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme under the National Food Security Act, including successful representation on behalf of a leading non-profit before government authorities on policy issues impacting over two million school-going children in India.
Sports & Gaming
Sooraj advises on legal and policy issues in the sports and gaming sector, with experience spanning sports associations, gaming companies, and regulatory bodies. He has acted as a trusted advisor to a leading fantasy sports platform and other key players in the game of skill domain. Drawing on his prior role as advisor to the office of the Ombudsman for two major cricket associations in India, he brings valuable institutional insight to his clients. His practice covers both strategic counsel and regulatory navigation, enabling stakeholders to address the evolving legal landscape governing sports, fantasy gaming, and online platforms in India.
Bar Admission & Professional Memberships
- Advocate- Bar Council of India
- Member- Supreme Court Bar Association
- Member- Delhi High Court Bar Association
- Member- International Bar Association (Arbitration Committee, Business Crime Committee, Anti- Corruption Committee, Asset Recovery Committee, Forum for Barristers and Advocates, Pro Bono Committee, Asia Pacific Regional Forum, Young Lawyer’s Committee)
- Member - International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA)
- Panel of Mediators/Conciliators- ICADR
Education
- Master of Laws, McGill University
- Post Graduate Studies in Comparative & International Dispute Resolution- Queen Mary University of London
- CAS in Arbitration- University of Lucerne/ Université de Neuchâtel & Swiss Arbitration Academy
- Post Graduate Diploma in Alternate Dispute Resolution- Indian Law Institute
- Private International Law- The Hague Academy of International Law
- Dual bachelor’s degree in law & humanities- Gujarat National Law University