Your Weekly dose of Legal, Technology and Risk Insights
TOP STORY OF THE WEEK
Why are SaaS and other software shares plunging?
Earlier in the week, Anthropic’s announcement of a new plugin for legal tasks added to existing pressure on software stocks, which have been hit hard in recent months related to fears that AI will upend the enterprise-software industry. “These fears of AI disruption have grown from worries about seat-based business models to more general existential risk perceptions, and investors are showing little tolerance for anything controversial when it comes to AI-related disruption,” Macquarie analyst Steve Koenig said in a note to clients.
LEGAL & TECH
Delhi High Court dismisses RIL’s challenge to Centre’s appeal in Tapti–Panna Mukta dispute
The Delhi High Court has rejected Reliance Industries’ preliminary objection and agreed to hear the Centre’s appeal seeking recovery of $3.8 billion arising from a dispute over the Panna-Mukta and Tapti oil and gas fields. The court held that the Centre’s challenge to a single judge’s 2023 order dismissing its enforcement plea as premature must be examined on merits. The dispute stems from production sharing contracts signed in 1994, with disagreements later emerging over profit sharing and royalties, leading to arbitration. The appeal has been listed for further hearing before the appropriate bench in February 2026.
AI tools reshape legal research and court efficiency in India
AI is increasingly transforming India’s legal sector as firms and platforms adopt conversational tools to manage heavy caseloads and administrative pressures. With over 46 million pending court cases, legal professionals are turning to AI to streamline drafting, document review, and analytics. Law firms like Trilegal are embedding AI into daily workflows to enhance productivity and focus on legal strategy. AI is also improving court processes through real-time transcription, translation, and document analysis, helping speed up proceedings and expand access to justice
Supreme Court affirms NCLAT directive for NBCC to finish stalled Supertech projects
The Supreme Court has upheld an NCLAT order directing state-owned NBCC to complete 16 stalled housing projects of debt-ridden developer Supertech Limited. The court affirmed the December 2024 decision bringing NBCC in to protect homebuyers’ interests and asked it to execute the projects as per the roadmap set by an NCLAT-appointed expert committee. It also instructed the committee to assist NBCC in the process. Additionally, the court barred tribunals and High Courts from issuing any orders that could delay or obstruct the construction work.
CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
SEBI Chair Calls on Public Interest Directors to Strengthen Ethical Oversight
SEBI Chair Tuhin Kanta Pandey stressed that Public Interest Directors are key to protecting public interest in Market Infrastructure Institutions, with a role that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance. Calling them custodians of trust, he urged PIDs to act independently, document their board interventions, scrutinize resource allocation, and strengthen internal controls and risk management, emphasizing that ethical governance must be central to MII operations.
Gujarat government plans to ease regulatory compliance to improve the ease of doing business
The Gujarat government plans to introduce procedural reforms across multiple departments to reduce regulatory burdens and improve ease of doing business, in line with the Centre’s deregulation push. Compliance requirements will be cut in sectors such as education, energy, food, labour, industries, and urban development, with some changes expected by April and full implementation targeted by June.
RISK INTELLIGENCE
CCI directs antitrust investigation into IndiGo over alleged abuse of market dominance
The Competition Commission of India has ordered an investigation into IndiGo after finding prima facie evidence of abuse of its dominant market position. The probe follows complaints linked to widespread flight cancellations and disruptions between December 1 and 9, 2025. The CCI observed that the cancellation of thousands of flights amounted to withholding services, creating artificial scarcity during peak demand. This conduct, the regulator said, may have caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition. Given IndiGo’s market dominance, consumers were left with limited alternatives, potentially violating provisions of the Competition Act.
Elon Musk merges SpaceX with xAI, forming the most valuable private firm globally
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has acquired his AI start-up xAI in a deal that brings several of his ventures under one umbrella, creating what is now considered the world’s most valuable private company. While financial terms were not disclosed, sources value xAI at about $125 billion and SpaceX at $1 trillion. Musk said the merger would combine AI, space technology, satellite internet, and media into a single “innovation engine.” xAI, best known for its Grok chatbot, has faced regulatory scrutiny in Europe and the UK, but investors see the deal as a long-term bet on Musk’s vision in AI and space, with benefits expected only decades into the future.
RBI announces compensation of up to Rs 25,000 for victims of small-value fraud
The Reserve Bank of India has announced a customer protection measure allowing bank customers to receive compensation of up to Rs 25,000 for losses arising from small-value fraudulent transactions. The announcement was made by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra at the conclusion of the Monetary Policy Committee’s 59th meeting held from February 4 to 6, 2026. Alongside this move, the MPC unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent. The compensation framework is aimed at strengthening safeguards against financial fraud and enhancing consumer confidence.