Krishnava Dutt

I help boards navigate their expanding legal duties in an era of rapid technological change. My focus is on creating robust governance frameworks to mitigate risks from AI and open-source software, protecting directors from personal liability.

I advised Dalmia Polypro Industries on securing a USD 30 million external commercial borrowing from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This cross-border financing is for a new greenfield recycling facility in Maharashtra, a project that supports a circular plastic waste value chain and showcases my expertise in sustainable project finance.

It is an honor to be recognized by the India Business Law Journal as a Legal Icon. This acknowledgment from the industry is a testament to my commitment to providing direct, practical, and impactful legal counsel in the banking and finance space.

I advised venture capital firms Arkam Ventures and Fundamentum Partnership on their Series B investment in TransBnk, a fintech platform. This deal highlights my work in the fintech legal advisory space, guiding investors through fundraises that fuel innovation in banking infrastructure.

My practice is recognized as Tier 1 in Banking & Finance for Mumbai by The Legal 500. This top-tier ranking, based on extensive market research and client feedback, underscores the strength and quality of the financial law services I provide.

I successfully represented HDFC before the Supreme Court in a significant case against IL&FS concerning the appropriation of rent receivables. This verdict was a crucial outcome in the ongoing IL&FS insolvency process, demonstrating my capability in handling high-stakes financial litigation and debt recovery matters.

This feedback from a client, highlighted by Chambers and Partners, reflects my core approach. Clients value that I am hands-on, quick to respond, and add tangible value in negotiations, which is a promise I deliver on personally.

Banking & Finance

Consults online and across India; Offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru & Kolkata

I give direct, practical legal advice on banking, finance, and fintech matters, handling everything from compliance to complex deals without making you wait or deal with jargon.

2-12L

per transaction

We are proud to have advised HDFC Limited on its landmark merger with HDFC Bank. This transaction, recognized by Asialaw Awards 2023, stands as a testament to our expertise in navigating complex, large-scale corporate consolidations in the financial services sector.

Our commitment to delivering value-added, sensible legal advice on large transactions is reflected in our Band 1 ranking for Corporate/M&A by Chambers and Partners. This recognition is a direct result of the trust our clients place in us and our team's deep experience.

We advised the Infinx group on a significant primary equity investment by global investment firm KKR. This deal showcases our capability in structuring and executing major private equity transactions in the technology and healthcare sectors, helping innovative companies accelerate their growth.

I am honored to be recognized as a 'Legal Icon' in the India Business Law Journal's A-List 2023-2024. This acknowledgment is a reflection of our firm's collective dedication to providing insightful and impactful legal counsel to our clients.

We guided StackGen Inc., a leader in autonomous infrastructure, on its strategic acquisition of OpsVerse. This transaction highlights our proficiency in advising on technology M&A deals that involve cutting-edge AI capabilities and complex intellectual property integrations.

In a fireside chat with Anand Kripalu, Chairman of Swiggy, I explored how building an ethical corporate culture is fundamental to driving long-term value. This discussion reflects my core belief that governance is not just about compliance, but about fostering organizational integrity.

Corporate, M&A & Private Equity

Consults online and across India; Offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru & Kolkata

I advise on corporate law, M&A, and private equity deals from start to finish, help boards handle tech and AI risks, and give practical guidance based on real deal experience.

2-40L

per transaction

I am pleased to share a significant victory where my team and I successfully represented HDFC before the Supreme Court against IL&FS. The Court allowed our client to recover its dues from rent receivables, a crucial outcome within the complex, NCLAT-supervised insolvency process of the IL&FS group. This case underscores our strategic approach to navigating large-scale corporate insolvency litigation.

My firm successfully represented the HHI Group in a major cyber negligence case against a leading telecom provider. We secured a compensation of ₹2.75 Crores for our client, setting a strong precedent for corporate accountability in cases of financial loss resulting from unauthorized SIM replacements and breaches under the IT Act, 2000.

At the International Bar Association's conference on M&A in India, I shared my insights on the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) becoming a new battleground for M&A disputes. The discussion focused on strategic risk mitigation in stressed asset transactions, a core area of my practice.

I am humbled to be recognized as a ‘Legal Icon’ in the India Business Law Journal's A-List. This acknowledgment is based on extensive research and feedback from in-house counsel and international law firms, reflecting the trust clients place in my strategic counsel.

My firm, Argus Partners, was shortlisted for several categories at the Asialaw Awards 2025, including Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year. This nomination among leading firms is a testament to our team's dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients in complex disputes.

We successfully represented His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin in a landmark succession case before the Bombay High Court. After a decade of litigation, the court validated his appointment as the 53rd Dai-al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, a judgment with significant global implications.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation

Consults online and across India; Offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru & Kolkata

I handle business disputes by focusing on what matters for your company, not just legal arguments, and give practical advice whether it’s court, arbitration, or regulatory forums.

25K-1.5L

per hearing

This graphic highlights my personal recognition by Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific for my work in Restructuring & Insolvency. The client feedback, noting my "knowledgeable and practical approach," reflects the core of my advisory philosophy: delivering legally sound and commercially viable solutions.

This announcement details our successful representation of L&T Finance before the NCLT, Mumbai. We achieved a significant ruling that established Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs) as a form of debt, a key precedent in insolvency law. The image features the core team, including myself, Adity Chaudhury, and Arka Majumdar, who were instrumental in this matter.

Our firm, Argus Partners, was honored with the 2025 Law Firm Award for Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Restructuring by the India Business Law Journal. This award is a direct acknowledgment of our specialized expertise and consistent success in navigating complex financial distress scenarios for our clients.

As a thought leader in this space, I was invited to speak at the International Bar Association's conference in Mumbai. My panel focused on the NCLT's evolving role in stressed asset M&A, a critical area where I provide strategic legal counsel to businesses and investors.

We achieved a significant victory for HDFC before the Supreme Court in a complex case against IL&FS. This matter announcement highlights our success in securing our client's rights, allowing them to recover their full outstanding dues amidst the broader IL&FS group insolvency process. This showcases our ability to handle high-stakes litigation at the highest level.

This graphic shows our firm, Argus Partners, being shortlisted for the 'Restructuring & Insolvency Firm of the Year' by Asialaw Awards 2025. Such nominations place us among the top-tier firms in Asia and are a testament to the quality and impact of our work in this specialized legal field.

I am honored to be recognized as a 'Legal Icon' in the India Business Law Journal's A-List. This distinction is based on extensive market research and feedback from clients and international law firms, underscoring my standing as a leading lawyer in India for complex corporate and financial matters.

Restructuring and Insolvency

Consults online and across India; Offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru & Kolkata

I help boards and companies handle insolvency and restructuring by combining legal advice with business analysis, guiding you through NCLT cases, debt restructuring, and stressed asset solutions based on real experience.

2-12L

per matter

I am pleased to have successfully represented a client in a significant cyber negligence case, securing a compensation of ₹2.75 Crores under the IT Act. This result underscores my capability in handling complex technology disputes and holding service providers accountable for security lapses like unauthorized SIM swaps.

At a CII Governance Series session in Delhi, I shared the stage with industry leaders like Kris Gopalakrishnan and Kunal Bahl to discuss the critical intersection of Artificial Intelligence and board governance. I emphasized that making AI a key board agenda is the first line of defense against personal liability risks for directors.

I am proud that my team advised the founders of PeopleStrong, a leading SaaS provider, on a major stake sale to Goldman Sachs. This transaction highlights our expertise in navigating high-value deals in the HR technology and AI innovation space.

It was an honor to join esteemed leaders like Rishad Premji of Wipro at the CII Governance Series in Bengaluru. I highlighted the convergence of corporate governance and technology, noting how the rapid adoption of AI is fundamentally reshaping the fiduciary responsibilities of corporate boards.

I look forward to moderating a panel on "Navigating Gen AI" for corporate counsel at the Inter-Pacific Bar Association's conference in Chicago. This discussion will focus on the evolving landscape of AI and its direct impact on corporate legal strategy, a core area of my advisory practice.

In an article for the Financial Express, I analyzed the impact of the RBI's approval of the first self-regulatory organization for the fintech industry. This framework is crucial for balancing the sector's growth potential with the specific risks it poses to the financial system.

Technology Governance & Risk Advisory

Consults online and across India; Offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru & Kolkata

I help boards and management set up practical tech governance and legal frameworks for AI, data laws, and fintech, so you stay compliant and avoid legal trouble.

1.5-8L

per engagement

Meet your expert

Krishnava Dutt

My Story

We’re Argus Partners, built from scratch across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata. I started as a lawyer, but honestly, now I’m more about helping businesses figure out the messy stuff—what’s coming next, not just what’s written in the books. I get a kick out of talking shop with business leaders, sometimes on stage, sometimes over chai. Our team’s all about being dynamic and collaborative. That Legal Icon tag? Really, it’s the team’s win.

My Work

Full-Service Legal Expertise - We handle Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution, Private Equity, Tech & Media, and more.

Digital Governance Advisory - We help boards tackle new risks like open-source software compliance and generative AI legal risk.

Practical Legal Strategy - No jargon. We break down complex laws into clear, doable steps for leadership teams.

Board Risk Mitigation - We work side by side with leadership, making sure boards know their duties and stay protected.

Home
Krishnava Dutt