Abhilash Sontake & AssociatesAdvocates

Areas of practice

Seventeen areas ofIndian law.

For over fifteen years the firm has built deep, specialised expertise across seventeen distinct verticals of Indian jurisprudence, each pursued with dedicated courtroom authority.

17
Practice areas
85
Matter types handled
5
High Courts, and the Supreme Court

01 Courtroom & Constitutional

Civil Litigation

Strategic dispute resolution with procedural mastery.

Our civil litigation practice stands at the core of the firm's legacy. For over 25 years, we have strategically navigated complex civil disputes, successfully asserting rights and securing remedies across Original and Appellate jurisdictions in the High Courts of Bombay, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi.

What we handle

  • Injunctions & Specific PerformanceTemporary, mandatory, and perpetual injunctions in complex property and contract disputes.
  • Property & Partition DisputesMulti-generational property suits, co-ownership disputes, and partition actions.
  • Breach of Contract & RecoveryCommercial contract enforcement, damages claims, and money recovery suits.
  • Defamation & Tort ClaimsCivil defamation, negligence, and tortious liability actions.
  • Declaratory & Title SuitsDeclaration of rights, status, and title over immovable properties.

Key statutes

  • CPC 1908
  • Specific Relief Act 1963
  • Limitation Act 1963
  • Transfer of Property Act 1882
Discuss a matter

02 Courtroom & Constitutional

Criminal Defence

Formidable defence. Unwavering constitutional protection.

Criminal defence requires rigorous procedural command and immediate tactical execution. The firm provides formidable defense against severe statutory offenses, ensuring constitutional protections are vigorously enforced at every stage — from investigation through trial to appellate review before High Courts and the Supreme Court.

What we handle

  • White-Collar & Economic OffencesDefence in fraud, cheating, embezzlement, and financial irregularity cases.
  • Anticipatory & Regular BailSecuring pre-arrest and post-arrest bail in High Courts and Sessions Courts.
  • Quashing of FIRs (Sec 528 BNSS)Inherent powers petitions to quash criminal proceedings and FIRs.
  • Special Acts (POCSO, NDPS, PMLA)Defence under stringent special criminal statutes with reverse burden provisions.
  • Criminal Appeals & RevisionsAppellate challenges to convictions and revisional jurisdiction matters.

Key statutes

  • BNS 2023
  • BNSS 2023
  • BSA 2023
  • PMLA 2002
  • NDPS Act 1985
Discuss a matter

03 Courtroom & Constitutional

Family & Matrimonial

Sensitive advocacy. Decisive courtroom representation.

We handle highly sensitive familial disputes with utmost discretion, blending aggressive courtroom representation with practical, empathetic negotiation protocols. Whether preservation of assets, child custody, or dignified dissolution — every matter receives the gravity and care it demands.

What we handle

  • Contested & Mutual DivorceProceedings under Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, and personal laws.
  • Child Custody & GuardianshipCustody disputes, visitation rights, and guardianship applications.
  • Maintenance & AlimonyInterim and permanent maintenance applications under CrPC/BNSS and family laws.
  • Domestic Violence ProceedingsProtection orders and relief under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
  • Succession & InheritanceContested probate, letters of administration, and succession certificate matters.

Key statutes

  • Hindu Marriage Act 1955
  • DV Act 2005
  • Guardian & Wards Act 1890
  • Indian Succession Act 1925
Discuss a matter

04 Property & Land

Real Estate Law

Protecting property rights across every jurisdiction.

Advising stakeholders across the real-estate spectrum — from resolving intricate, multi-generational title clouds to litigating large-scale builder-buyer disputes and statutory compliances. Our practice covers RERA disputes, land acquisition matters, and registration challenges across multiple state jurisdictions.

What we handle

  • RERA Disputes & AppealsRepresentation before Real Estate Regulatory Authorities and Appellate Tribunals.
  • Land Title & EncroachmentTitle verification disputes, adverse possession, and encroachment removal suits.
  • Builder-Buyer ConflictsDelayed possession, deficiency in service, and project abandonment disputes.
  • Registration & Stamp ActChallenges to registration refusals and stamp duty assessments.
  • Land Acquisition CompensationEnhanced compensation claims under the RFCTLARR Act 2013.

Key statutes

  • RERA 2016
  • Registration Act 1908
  • RFCTLARR Act 2013
  • Transfer of Property Act 1882
Discuss a matter

05 Commercial & Corporate

Corporate & Commercial

Decisive counsel for complex commercial disputes.

Protecting commercial interests and corporate structures in a highly regulated landscape. We act decisively for enterprises in critical shareholder conflicts, contract enforcement, and complex insolvency proceedings before the NCLT, NCLAT, Commercial Courts, and High Courts.

What we handle

  • Insolvency & Bankruptcy (IBC)CIRP proceedings, liquidation, and NCLT/NCLAT representations.
  • Shareholder & Director DisputesOppression and mismanagement, board deadlocks, and minority protection.
  • Commercial Contract LitigationHigh-value commercial disputes before designated Commercial Courts.
  • Contractual Fraud & MisrepresentationCorporate fraud, inducement, and misrepresentation claims.
  • Regulatory Compliance LitigationSEBI, RBI, and competition law regulatory proceedings.

Key statutes

  • Companies Act 2013
  • IBC 2016
  • Indian Contract Act 1872
  • SEBI Act 1992
Discuss a matter

06 Courtroom & Constitutional

Writ & Constitutional

Defending fundamental rights against arbitrary power.

Defending fundamental rights against administrative excess and arbitrary state action. A highly specialized pillar of our practice focused strictly on enforcing constitutional remedies before the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India — the ultimate guardians of the Constitution.

What we handle

  • Article 226 & 32 PetitionsWrit petitions for enforcement of fundamental and legal rights.
  • Habeas Corpus & MandamusChallenging illegal detention and compelling performance of public duties.
  • Regulatory & Statutory ChallengesChallenging vires of legislative and executive actions.
  • Service & Administrative LawGovernment employment disputes, pension matters, and departmental inquiries.
  • Public Interest Litigation (PIL)Strategic PIL for issues of public importance and constitutional governance.

Key statutes

  • Constitution of India
  • Administrative Tribunals Act 1985
  • Right to Information Act 2005
Discuss a matter

07 Commercial & Corporate

Arbitration & ADR

Resolving high-stakes disputes beyond the courtroom.

Resolving high-stakes commercial impasses without the protracted timelines of traditional litigation. We represent clients in complex domestic and international arbitrations, mediations, and conciliations — ensuring efficient resolution while preserving commercial relationships.

What we handle

  • Domestic Commercial ArbitrationAd-hoc and institutional arbitrations under the A&C Act.
  • Section 9 & 11 PetitionsInterim measures and appointment of arbitrators through courts.
  • Award Execution & ObjectionsSection 34 challenges and Section 36 enforcement of arbitral awards.
  • Commercial MediationPre-litigation and court-referred mediation in commercial disputes.
  • International ArbitrationCross-border disputes under UNCITRAL and ICC frameworks.

Key statutes

  • Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996
  • Mediation Act 2023
  • Commercial Courts Act 2015
Discuss a matter

08 Commercial & Corporate

Intellectual Property

Safeguarding innovation and brand identity.

Safeguarding corporate innovations and brand identities in an aggressive market environment. Our team litigates trademark infringements, copyright violations, patent disputes, and trade secret misappropriation with the urgency and precision that IP enforcement demands.

What we handle

  • Trademark & Copyright LitigationInfringement suits, passing off actions, and domain name disputes.
  • Patent Infringement SuitsPatent validity challenges and infringement proceedings.
  • Trade Secrets & ConfidentialityNDA breaches, employee poaching, and confidential information theft.
  • Design & Geographic IndicationsIndustrial design protection and GI enforcement.
  • IP Licensing DisputesRoyalty disputes, licensing agreement enforcement, and technology transfers.

Key statutes

  • Trademarks Act 1999
  • Copyright Act 1957
  • Patents Act 1970
  • IT Act 2000
Discuss a matter

09 Commercial & Corporate

Employment & Labour

Navigating the employer-employee legal landscape.

Strategic advisory and structural representation in corporate employment disputes. We represent management and key executives in complex industrial unrest, compliance failures, wrongful termination litigations, and labour tribunal proceedings.

What we handle

  • Executive Terminations & SeveranceWrongful dismissal claims and severance negotiation for C-suite executives.
  • PF & Gratuity ComplianceEPF disputes, gratuity claim enforcement, and compliance proceedings.
  • Industrial Disputes LitigationLabour court and industrial tribunal representations for management.
  • Non-Compete & Restrictive CovenantsEnforceability of restrictive covenants and garden leave provisions.
  • Workplace Harassment (POSH)Compliance advisory and defence in sexual harassment proceedings.

Key statutes

  • Industrial Disputes Act 1947
  • EPF Act 1952
  • POSH Act 2013
  • Labour Codes 2020
Discuss a matter

10 Technology & Regulatory

Cyber Crime & IT Act

Digital-age defence in an evolving legal frontier.

Pioneering defence and prosecution under the rapidly evolving digital jurisprudence. We handle intricate cases of financial cyber fraud, data theft, corporate espionage, and regulatory breaches — a critical practice in the era of pervasive digital infrastructure.

What we handle

  • Financial Cyber FraudsOnline banking fraud, UPI scams, phishing, and cryptocurrency fraud.
  • Corporate Data Theft & EspionageData breach litigation, insider data theft, and corporate espionage defence.
  • IT Act Compliance & ViolationsSection 43, 65, 66 violations and intermediary liability disputes.
  • Social Media DefamationOnline defamation, trolling, and cyber bullying proceedings.
  • Data Privacy & DPDP ActCompliance and disputes under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

Key statutes

  • IT Act 2000
  • DPDP Act 2023
  • BNS 2023 (Sec 318-320)
  • RBI Cyber Security Framework
Discuss a matter

11 Courtroom & Constitutional

Consumer Protection

Empowering consumers. Holding corporations accountable.

Representing consumers and businesses in disputes involving deficiency of service, unfair trade practices, and product liability. Our practice covers proceedings from District Forums to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

What we handle

  • Deficiency of Service ClaimsBanking, insurance, telecom, and healthcare service deficiency complaints.
  • Product Liability SuitsManufacturing defects, design flaws, and misleading advertising.
  • NCDRC & State Commission AppealsAppellate practice before State and National Consumer Commissions.
  • E-Commerce DisputesRefund disputes, fake product complaints, and marketplace liability.
  • Unfair Trade PracticesMisleading advertisements, bait-and-switch, and deceptive pricing.

Key statutes

  • Consumer Protection Act 2019
  • E-Commerce Rules 2020
  • Legal Metrology Act 2009
Discuss a matter

12 Commercial & Corporate

Tax Litigation

Strategic litigation against aggressive revenue action.

Representing assessees in complex direct and indirect tax disputes before Income Tax Appellate Tribunals, GST Appellate Authorities, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. We challenge wrongful assessments, penalty orders, and prosecutions with deep technical and procedural expertise.

What we handle

  • Income Tax AppealsCIT(A) and ITAT appeals against assessment and reassessment orders.
  • GST Disputes & RefundsInput tax credit disputes, refund claims, and anti-profiteering proceedings.
  • Tax Penalty & ProsecutionDefence against penalty proceedings and criminal prosecution under tax laws.
  • Transfer Pricing LitigationDisputes before DRP, ITAT, and High Courts on transfer pricing adjustments.
  • Search & Seizure DefencePost-search assessments, undisclosed income additions, and Benami proceedings.

Key statutes

  • Income Tax Act 1961
  • CGST Act 2017
  • Benami Transactions Act 1988
  • Black Money Act 2015
Discuss a matter

13 Commercial & Corporate

Banking & Finance

Navigating financial regulation and recovery.

Advising banks, NBFCs, and borrowers in complex financial litigation. Our practice covers debt recovery proceedings, SARFAESI actions, insolvency applications by financial creditors, and challenges to RBI regulatory actions before Debt Recovery Tribunals and High Courts.

What we handle

  • SARFAESI Act ProceedingsChallenging and enforcing Section 13(2) notices, symbolic possession, and auctions.
  • Debt Recovery (DRT/DRAT)Original applications and appeals before Debt Recovery Tribunals.
  • NBFC & Fintech RegulatoryRBI compliance, licensing disputes, and fintech regulatory challenges.
  • Loan Restructuring DisputesOTS disputes, NPA classification challenges, and CDR proceedings.
  • Guarantee & Security EnforcementPersonal guarantee invocations and mortgage enforcement disputes.

Key statutes

  • SARFAESI Act 2002
  • RDDBFI Act 1993
  • RBI Act 1934
  • NI Act 1881
Discuss a matter

14 Technology & Regulatory

Environmental & Regulatory

Compliance, clearances, and green tribunal practice.

Representing industries, developers, and public bodies in environmental clearance disputes, NGT proceedings, and regulatory compliance matters. We bridge the intersection of development and environmental protection with practical, results-oriented advocacy.

What we handle

  • NGT ProceedingsOriginal applications and appeals before the National Green Tribunal.
  • Environmental Clearance DisputesEC/CRZ challenges and compliance proceedings.
  • Pollution Control Board ActionsChallenging closure directions and consent order revocations.
  • Mining & Forest ClearancesForest diversion approvals, mining lease disputes, and MMDR Act matters.
  • Industrial Compliance & ESGHazardous waste management, water/air act compliance, and ESG advisory.

Key statutes

  • NGT Act 2010
  • Environment Protection Act 1986
  • Forest Conservation Act 1980
  • Water Act 1974
Discuss a matter

15 Property & Land

Title Search & Due Diligence

Comprehensive title verification and transactional risk assessment.

Meticulous property title examination and legal due diligence form the bedrock of secure real estate transactions. Our dedicated practice provides exhaustive title search reports, encumbrance analysis, and transactional risk assessments for individual buyers, corporate acquirers, banks, and institutional investors across multiple state jurisdictions.

What we handle

  • Title Search & Chain of DocumentsComplete title flow verification from origin through successive transactions, including revenue records and registration history.
  • Encumbrance Certificate AnalysisVerification of mortgages, liens, attachments, and pending litigations affecting title.
  • Legal Due Diligence ReportsComprehensive due diligence memoranda for acquisitions, investments, and financing transactions.
  • RERA & Regulatory Compliance AuditVerification of builder approvals, layout sanctions, RERA registrations, and statutory compliances.
  • Lender & Investor Due DiligenceTitle opinions and risk assessments for banks, NBFCs, and institutional investors prior to disbursement.

Key statutes

  • Registration Act 1908
  • Transfer of Property Act 1882
  • Indian Stamp Act 1899
  • RERA 2016
Discuss a matter

16 Property & Land

NRI Legal Services

Protecting overseas Indian interests across jurisdictions.

Non-Resident Indians face unique challenges in protecting property rights, enforcing family obligations, and managing estates from abroad. Our dedicated NRI practice provides seamless representation — from executing Powers of Attorney to litigating complex property disputes, matrimonial matters, and succession claims — ensuring that distance never compromises legal outcomes.

What we handle

  • NRI Property DisputesRecovery of encroached properties, partition suits, and title restoration for overseas Indians.
  • Power of Attorney LitigationChallenging misuse of POA, revocation disputes, and enforcement of POA-based transactions.
  • NRI Matrimonial & Family MattersCross-border divorce, child custody under Hague Convention, and maintenance enforcement.
  • Succession & Estate PlanningProbate applications, succession certificates, and estate administration for NRI beneficiaries.
  • FEMA & RBI ComplianceForeign exchange regulation compliance, property acquisition approvals, and repatriation advisory.

Key statutes

  • FEMA 1999
  • Indian Succession Act 1925
  • Hindu Succession Act 1956
  • Registration Act 1908
Discuss a matter

17 Property & Land

Land Revenue & Municipal Law

Navigating revenue records, mutations, and municipal governance.

Land revenue disputes and municipal regulatory challenges require deep understanding of state-specific revenue codes and local body governance frameworks. We represent landowners, developers, and public bodies in mutation proceedings, revenue court appeals, municipal tax disputes, and building permission challenges across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

What we handle

  • Revenue Court & Mutation DisputesChallenging wrongful mutations, pattadar passbook corrections, and revenue record rectification.
  • Land Conversion & ClassificationAgricultural to non-agricultural conversion, land use change permissions, and classification disputes.
  • Municipal Tax & AssessmentProperty tax assessment challenges, vacant land tax disputes, and betterment levy objections.
  • Building Permission & ZoningConstruction permission challenges, zoning regulation disputes, and demolition order stays.
  • Government Land AllotmentChallenging cancellation of allotments, assigned land disputes, and ceiling surplus land matters.

Key statutes

  • Telangana Land Revenue Act 1317F
  • AP Land Revenue Code
  • Municipal Acts
  • Urban Land Ceiling Act
Discuss a matter

Engage the practice

Your matter deserves specialised counsel.

Schedule a privileged consultation to discuss how the firm can serve your legal objectives.

Reach outAbout the firm