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TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
Indian Legal-Tech Leadership Gains Global Visibility as Trilegal Partner Heads iTechLaw
Trilegal partner Nikhil Narendran has been elected President of iTechLaw, a global association focused on technology law. His work within iTechLaw includes contributions to discussions on emerging technology, legal frameworks and responsible AI principles. This development is significant for India’s legal-tech ecosystem because it shows Indian lawyers taking a stronger role in shaping global debates around AI accountability, tech regulation, data governance and cross-border digital policy.
LEGAL & TECH
Delhi High Court Examines AI Deepfakes, Personality Rights and Free Speech Boundaries
The Delhi High Court reserved orders on interim relief sought by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha in a plea alleging misuse of personality rights through AI-generated deepfakes, morphed visuals and manipulated online content. The court observed that the line between criticism, defamation and personality-rights violation can be thin, especially for public figures. The matter may also involve broader questions around free speech, satire, dignity and AI-enabled misinformation.
CJI Calls Technology and AI-Based Judicial Infrastructure Essential for Speedy Justice
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the judiciary must strengthen technology and AI-driven infrastructure to improve access to justice and reduce delays. Speaking at an event on digital platform integration, he noted that technology is no longer just an administrative convenience but a constitutional instrument linked to affordable and timely justice under Article 39A. He also revealed that the Supreme Court has constituted a committee to examine how AI can be used for faster disposal of pending cases.
US Moves to End Adani Fraud Case; SEC Settlement and Sanctions Penalty Put Compliance Back in Focus
US authorities moved to dismiss criminal fraud charges against Gautam Adani, while Adani Enterprises agreed to a Usd275 million settlement over alleged Iran sanctions violations. The SEC also moved for final judgments in its civil case against Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani, with proposed civil penalties of Usd6 million and Usd12 million respectively, subject to court approval. The original allegations involved misleading statements around anti-bribery compliance in connection with a bond offering by Adani Green Energy. The Adani Group has denied wrongdoing.
CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
SEBI, NISM and IICA Sign MoU to Strengthen Corporate Governance and ESG Frameworks
NISM and IICA signed an MoU in the presence of SEBI leadership to support capacity building, policy research, certification courses and training across securities markets and corporate regulation. The initiative will focus on strengthening corporate governance, ESG frameworks, sustainability disclosures, investor education and MSME access to capital markets. This is an important compliance development because ESG and governance are increasingly becoming central to fundraising, disclosures and board accountability
SEBI Eases InvIT Norms on Borrowings, SPV Status and Disclosure Requirements
SEBI issued two circulars for Infrastructure Investment Trusts, giving greater flexibility around borrowings while tightening disclosure expectations. Under the new framework, an SPV holding an infrastructure project may continue to remain classified as an SPV even after conclusion or termination of a concession agreement, subject to specified conditions. Investment managers must either exit the SPV or acquire a new infrastructure project within one year, with detailed disclosures on liabilities, pending claims, debt schedules and exit plans. SEBI also expanded permitted use of fresh borrowings for highly leveraged InvITs, including capex, road maintenance and debt refinancing subject to safeguards.
Risk Intelligence
CBI Files First Chargesheet in Rs504 Crore Haryana Government Funds Misappropriation Case
The CBI filed its first chargesheet in the alleged Rs504 crore Haryana government funds misappropriation case involving officials of IDFC First Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, Haryana government departments and private persons. Fifteen accused have been chargesheeted, including six bank officials, three public servants, shell entities and private individuals. The case involves alleged diversion of government funds from department bank accounts through collusion and fictitious transactions.
CBI Searches Reliance ADA Group-Linked Premises in Alleged Multi-Crore Bank Fraud Cases
The CBI conducted searches at seven premises across Mumbai, Gurugram and Bengaluru in connection with a case registered against Reliance Communications Ltd., an ADA Group company. The searches covered residential premises of former senior executives and led to seizure of incriminating documents. According to the CBI, it has registered seven cases against Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group entities based on complaints from public sector banks and LIC, involving alleged losses of Rs27,337 crore.
ED Arrests Two in Multi-Crore Land Grab Case Involving Spiritual Trust Properties
The Enforcement Directorate arrested two accused in a money-laundering case involving alleged fraudulent sale of properties belonging to The Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation of India, a charitable society registered in 1963. ED said the case involved forged powers of attorney, fabricated board resolutions, counterfeit authorisation letters and unauthorised sale of trust properties valued at hundreds of crores. The agency also issued freezing orders against bank accounts, movable assets, lockers and high-end vehicles linked to the alleged fraud.