Your Weekly dose of Legal, Technology and Risk Insights
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
Legitquest Featured in Republic Day Article Highlighting Constitutional Values and Legal Awareness
Legitquest is proud to be mentioned in a recent article marking India’s Republic Day, which reflected on the adoption of the Constitution and the continuing importance of constitutional values in India’s democratic framework. The article recognised the role of legal research and technology platforms like Legitquest in promoting access to judicial precedents, statutes and reliable legal information. As India commemorates the vision of the Constitution’s framers, the mention underscores Legitquest’s commitment to strengthening legal awareness, informed advocacy and rule of law through technology. We remain dedicated to supporting lawyers, researchers and institutions in engaging meaningfully with constitutional principles and evolving legal discourse.
CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
SEBI Proposes Rs 20,000-Crore Threshold to Define Significant Market Indices.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed setting a Rs20,000-crore minimum market capitalisation threshold to classify an index as “significant,” aiming to strengthen oversight of index-linked products. The proposal is part of a consultation paper seeking to enhance transparency, governance and risk management in the rapidly expanding passive investment space. SEBI noted that indices meeting the threshold would be subject to stricter eligibility norms, disclosure requirements and periodic reviews. The move is intended to protect investors from excessive concentration risks and ensure that only robust, widely tracked indices underpin exchange-traded funds and index funds. Stakeholder feedback has been invited before finalising the framework.
SEBI and RBI Collaborating on Bond Derivatives to Deepen Debt Markets
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are working in close coordination to develop a comprehensive framework for bond derivatives, SEBI chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has said. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s debt markets by improving liquidity, price discovery and risk management options for investors. Pandey emphasised that regulatory cooperation is essential to avoid jurisdictional overlaps, as bond markets fall within the purview of both regulators. The proposed framework is expected to encourage greater institutional participation and provide effective hedging tools, while ensuring market stability and regulatory clarity in the evolving fixed-income ecosystem.
LEGAL & TECH
Delhi High Court Dismisses MCD Appeal, Upholds Contractor’s Rs 1.01 Crore Recovery Decree
The Delhi High Court has dismissed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) appeal challenging a commercial court decree in favour of contractor M/s Ram Niwas Goel, upholding a recovery of over Rs 1.01 crore with interest. The Court held that delays in execution of a school construction project were attributable to MCD’s failure to remove site hindrances, including trees, despite repeated requests. Rejecting MCD’s reliance on technical objections under the General Conditions of Contract, the Bench noted that running bills were duly processed and work execution stood admitted. The Court reaffirmed that an employer cannot penalise a contractor for delays caused by its own lapses, reinforcing contractual accountability in public works.
Supreme Court Quashes Steel Import MIP Notification’s Retrospective Application
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Minimum Import Price (MIP) notification on steel products could operate only from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette and not from the date it was uploaded online. Allowing appeals filed by Viraj Impex Pvt. Ltd. and other importers, the Court held that the DGFT notification dated February 5, 2016, became enforceable only upon its Gazette publication on February 11, 2016. The Bench set aside the Delhi High Court’s ruling and granted importers protection under Para 1.05(b) of the Foreign Trade Policy, as their irrevocable letters of credit were opened prior to publication. The Court underscored that unpublished delegated legislation cannot impose legal burdens on citizens.
Legal AI Startup Ivo Raises $55 Million in Fresh Funding Round
Legal technology startup Ivo has raised $55 million in its latest funding round, marking one of the largest investments in the legal AI space in recent times. The round was led by global investors betting on the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in contract review, compliance and legal workflows. Ivo’s platform uses AI to help enterprises analyse contracts, identify risks and streamline negotiations, significantly reducing time and manual effort. The funding will be used to expand product capabilities, strengthen AI models, and scale operations across key markets. The deal underscores rising investor confidence in AI-driven legal solutions as businesses seek efficiency and cost optimisation.
RISK INTELLIGENCE
NCLAT Upholds Adani Power’s Rs4,000-Crore Acquisition of Vidarbha Industries Power
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has upheld Adani Power’s Rs4,000-crore acquisition of Vidarbha Industries Power Ltd (VIPL) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Dismissing challenges to the resolution plan, the appellate tribunal ruled that the process complied with statutory requirements and that no material irregularity was established. NCLAT observed that commercial wisdom of the Committee of Creditors (CoC) remains paramount and is not subject to judicial interference unless violations of law are shown. The ruling clears regulatory uncertainty around the acquisition and reinforces judicial deference to creditor decisions in insolvency resolutions, strengthening confidence in the IBC framework.
Global M&A Outlook Faces AI Risks, Inflation and Geopolitical Uncertainty: JPMorgan at Davos 2026
Global mergers and acquisitions activity is expected to remain cautious in 2026 as companies navigate risks arising from artificial intelligence disruption, persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions, according to JPMorgan executives speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. While dealmaking sentiment has improved from recent lows, uncertainty around regulation of AI, interest rate trajectories and cross-border conflicts continues to influence boardroom decisions. JPMorgan noted that companies are increasingly prioritising strategic clarity, resilience and technology-driven efficiencies over aggressive expansion. Despite challenges, opportunities remain in sectors aligned with digital transformation and energy transition with dealmakers adopting a more selective and risk-aware approach to global transaction.
Donald Trump Sues JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon Over Alleged Political ‘Debanking’
US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, alleging politically motivated “debanking” after the bank reportedly restricted or terminated certain financial services linked to him. The lawsuit claims that the actions were driven by political bias rather than legitimate risk or compliance concerns, raising broader questions around the role of banks in access to financial services. JPMorgan Chase has denied wrongdoing, maintaining that all decisions were taken in accordance with regulatory obligations and internal risk assessments. The case has reignited debate over corporate neutrality, free speech and whether financial institutions should wield discretionary power that could effectively exclude individuals from the banking system.