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Manishi Pathak

Managing Partner

Manishi Pathak is the Founder and Managing Partner of Anhad Law.


Manishi has experience of over three decades. His areas of practice include dispute resolutions, labour and employment, corporate investigations, compliance audit and investigation into non-compliance of anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, besides advisory and transactional supports on matters involving other corporate and commercial laws.


Manishi is also known for his expertise in the area of mergers and acquisitions/ joint ventures, corporate restructuring and re-organizations besides his government relations work. Besides being ranked as a prominent L&E lawyers in India by Chambers and Partner, he was also listed by Chambers amongst key M&A lawyers until sometime back.


He has been appreciated by clients for his hands-on approach and for providing solution-oriented sound legal advice which is commercially and practically tenable. He is also known for offering unique blend of analytical thinking and business strategy, while structuring, negotiating and closing complex commercial transactions and resolution of disputes including mediation and arbitration.

Manishi also has vast experience of delivering advisory support in areas of law, including but not limited to contentious commercial disputes, regulatory compliances (involving exchange control regulations in addition to other regulatory matters), compliance advisory under various corporate and commercial laws, rules etc.

 
​He enjoys a distinguished status and standing in the sphere of Labour and Employment law practice. He is widely recognized as a ‘top ranked specialist’ in this area of practice owing to his deep knowledge and vast experience of dealing with range of matters in the domain of labour and employment laws practice including court litigation and appellate work. 


Manishi has retained most top accolades on offer by leading global legal ranking bodies such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 etc., in the field of Labour and Employment laws in India. For over last decade, Manishi and he been retained title of ‘Top Ranked’ ‘Leading Practitioner’, ‘Specialist’, owing to established expertise and in-depth knowledge he possesses in the sphere of Labour and Employment laws practice in India. 


In the context of Indian scenario, Manishi is regarded as the legal professional who played a pivotal role that lead to recognition and acceptance of ‘labour and employment’ laws as a prominent and established area of practice, amongst other practice areas in Indian law firms. He is considered as a pioneer in making foreign and Indian multinational corporations, having business presence in India, recognize the importance of compliance to various labour and employment laws related legislations in India.


As the practice head, Manishi is actively involved in advising on a wide range of labour laws related queries, preparation and standardization of employment agreements and other agreements such as non-compete and non-solicitation agreement, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, HR policies/handbooks/manuals etc., including structuring of ESOPs, closure of businesses, termination/transfer of employees, other termination related issues, trade union related disputes, social security and/or insurance claims, etc. The Firm predominantly represents companies/corporations and their management on employment related projects and litigation.


Manishi also leads members of the firm on matters involving employment audits, while collar investigations, whistle-blower investigations, closure of establishments, transfer of business and undertakings, sexual harassment complaints, employer and employee rights and matters involving trade unions. He is also known for his involvement in investigations and/or enquiries concerning employees including in matters of misconduct by employees and/or associated parties besides managing the entire process including managing forensic audits with the involvement of appropriate collaborators. 


Prior to founding Anhad Law, Manishi has been the Partner of other renowned law firms of India.

Manishi has considerable experience of representing clients belonging to manufacturing as well as services business, across varied sectors including but not limited to automobiles, aviation, banking, chemicals, commerce, electronics, FMCG, information technology, paper, packaging, pharmaceuticals, ports, real estate, retail and telecommunications, amongst others.

Key Experience -

Joint Ventures, Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Assisted a renowned USA manufacturing company in acquisition of a business of circuit    board in Pune, Maharashtra.

  • Assisted a renowned USA based manufacturing company in acquisition of a business unit of a company that develops telecom infrastructure and network solutions, including in-house PCBA assembly for radio and transmission equipment, in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

  • Assisted a renowned USA based manufacturing company in acquisition of a group of   companies in IT and / ITES business in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

  • Assisted a renowned USA based manufacturing company in its divestment of a business unit including real estate in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

  • Assisted a renowned USA based manufacturing company in divestment of its shareholding in an Indian JV company, that provides precision plastic products for healthcare, packaging, and consumer electronics, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

  • Assisted a renowned Canadian company in a JV with an Indian company for the manufacturing of automotive mirrors in India.

  • Assisted a renowned Canadian company in divestment in the JV set up with   an Indian Company for the manufacturing of automotive mirrors in India.

  • Assisted a company in the business of manufacturing packaging and protective products in acquisition of 74% shareholding in a leading Indian Company that manufactures BOPP packaging tapes and LLDPE stretch films.

  • Assisted a company in the business of manufacturing packaging and protective products in setting up an India JV company with a company that manufactures engineered woven fabrics for industrial use, focusing on water management, weather protection, and sustainability.

  • Assisted a Singapore based company in the business of sustainable urban space solutions through infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity in its investment in an Indian company providing customized, tech-enabled managed office spaces for mid-to-large enterprises.

  • Assisted a company that develops and operates large-scale renewable energy infrastructure to support global decarbonization in Spain in sale of its shareholding in an Ahmedabad-based company that provides operations and maintenance services for solar power projects across India.

  • Assisted a Japan based company that develops and supplies high-purity gases and other advanced chemical materials for the semiconductor and electronics industries in its 100% acquisition of an Indian company in Ahmedabad, Gujarat that manufactures high-quality industrial, non-stick, and specialty coating materials for global markets.

  • Assisting an Indian integrated agriculture company specializing in sourcing, processing, and distributing fresh fruits and vegetables across domestic and international markets in setting up a JV company along with two promoters in India in online sale business.

  • Advising a Singapore based company in education space in exploring suitable investment options in India including suitable structures and regulatory framework.

  • Advising a Singapore based IT company in its buyout of Indian shareholders in an Indian IT company.

 

Corporate and Commercial

  • Advised and assisted an affiliate of leading German manufacturing company that designs and manufactures innovative, high-quality faucets, showers, and kitchen systems with reviewing commercial contracts in accordance with Indian laws.

  • Assisted an affiliate of a global manufacturing Germany based AI company in its internal corporate and labour & employment audit, identifying any issues with compliances and advising appropriate solutions for the same.

  • Advised and assisted an American multinational company specializing in products for wireless markets, with obtaining an extension for its liaison office in India besides advising on day-to-day operational aspects.

  • Advised and assisted a leading company in education, publishing and research with drafting and reviewing commercial contracts; and advising on foreign exchange regulations related to export data processing and monitoring system.

  • Advised and assisted an Indian subsidiary of a US multinational energy company with reviewing a commercial contract and advised on expansion of business in different areas in India.

  • Assisted an affiliate of a global company, in the business of developing renewable energy projects, with winding up its India operations.

  • Advised and assisted a leading MNC in the business of flowers, with obtaining approval for import of flowers and plants to India.

  • Assisted a US company that provides enterprise cybersecurity solutions in setting up an Indian company and assisting the Indian company with regard to their corporate / commercial business needs in India.

  • Advised and assisted a Singapore headquartered company with regard to its commercial contracts and advised several aspects of contracts and sales of good in India.

  • Assisted a US based company with regard to their India contracts and customisation  thereof in compliance with the company policies and also as per the relevant Indian laws.

  • Advised an international client in respect of a hacking incident, where certain unknown persons (Hackers) had illegally accessed the client’s server and hacked the data of its customers and employees.

  • Advised an insurance client on closing its defense channel unit and retrenching several hundreds of employees due to business and policy challenges. Managed termination of probationary and confirmed staff across different employment models.

  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive POSH framework for a retail chain with several hundreds of employees across multiple locations, including committee formation, training, and investigation protocols. Established industry-leading standards for POSH compliance in multi-location retail operations.

  • Advised a Bangalore-based client on business closure and restructuring, handling legal compliance, labour law adherence, and statutory filings. Managed termination processes, contractual obligations, and stakeholder communication to ensure a smooth, risk-mitigated transition.

 

Labour and Employment

  • Advised on cross-border employee secondments, transfers, and leasing, including drafting secondment agreements and handling taxation, immigration, and social security compliance. Provided guidance on employee compensation structures, stock-based plans, and ongoing regulatory filings and compliance.

  • Advised a Bangalore-based client on resolving a senior employee’s termination dispute involving misconduct and performance issues. Provided legal and strategic guidance on termination documentation, negotiations, and communication to minimize financial, reputational, and operational risks.

  • Advised a Bangalore client on a senior employee termination dispute, handling legal documentation, negotiations, and strategic communication to reduce financial, reputational, and operational risks.

  • Advised a leading renewable energy company on employer liability and compliance under employment, civil, and criminal laws related to workplace accidents. Guided on risk management, safety protocols, and drafting contracts and policies to ensure legal adherence and foster a culture of safety.

  • Advised an Indian subsidiary of a US logistics company on contract labour engagement, addressing regularization risks, and revising contracts to ensure compliance with Indian labour laws. Enabled the company to mitigate penalties, manage labour costs, and maintain operational flexibility.

  • Assisted a manufacturing company in reorganizing operations across states, managing unit closure, license transfers, and trade union negotiations. Advised on redundancy processes and defended legal claims to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

  • Advised the client on cross-border employment matters covering taxation, commuting, and work rights, and assisted with visa applications and renewals for business immigration compliance.

 

Intellectual Property Rights

  • Assisted a leading school chain in Delhi NCR in securing its trademark in India under Trademarks Act, 1999

  • Assisted a global FMCG Company in disputes pertaining to comparative advertising

  • Assisted a leading school chain in Delhi NCR in defending its registered trademark in rectification proceedings before IPAB (now Delhi High Court) and cancellation of mark proceeding before Trademark Registry, Delhi.

  • Assisted an Indian manufacturing company in defending its trademark and pursuing trademark infringement claim against a Nepalese Company before Nepal Supreme Court.

  • Assisted several companies/individuals in seeking registration of their copyright under the Copyright Act,1957.

  • Assisted several hotels and restaurants in India in defending claims for copyright infringement from sound recording companies and copyright societies like PPL, IPRS etc.

  • Assisted a non-profit industry association that represents and advocates for India's hospitality industry and another non-profit industry association that supports the Indian restaurant industry in writ petitions challenging constitutional validity of Section 33 of Copyright Act, 1957

  • Advised a global automobile company is patent infringement claim pending against Indian start up automobile company before Bombay High Court.

  • Assisted a US company in protecting its trade name by raising the dispute before appropriate Indian authorities.

 

Dispute Resolution/Arbitration

 

Arbitration experience includes ad hoc arbitrations and institutional arbitrations under ICA, DHCAC, etc. Have experience in arbitrations arising from employment disputes, construction, contractual or family disputes. Filed petitions before the Courts for appointment of arbitrator, seeking interim relief from Court and Tribunals, challenging orders, setting aside of Award, etc.

  • Arbitration disputes claims and counterclaims on behalf of leading hotel chain in India against parties for damages arising out of hotel operation agreement, hotel franchise agreement, technical service agreement, etc.

  • Arbitration disputes on behalf of a leading airline of India against its various ex-pilots regarding the enforcement of security bond executed for training pilots, etc.

  • Arbitration case filed by a former Chairman and Managing Director of a leading mobile manufacturing company on termination of his employment and following on a claim against the company for recovery of damages for illegal termination of services.

  • Arbitration matter involving a real estate project dispute in township construction and development project on land more than 100 acres between the owner- landowning subsidiary of a biotechnology company and Haryana based real estate developer.

  • Arbitration disputes filed by licencees in respect of shops at the shopping arcade in an upscale New Delhi hotel and the terms of the licences, inter alia, were akin to an irrevocable licence in perpetuity in the said shop and thus the termination of their licences by the licensor vide termination notices.

  • Arbitration matter pending before DHCAC against an online retailer with regard to supplies made to it by a renowned Japanese company.

  • Appointment of an arbitrator related application filed before Delhi High Court on behalf of a group of promoters of the companies manufacturing auto components  / accessories.

  • Appointment of an arbitrator related application filed before Delhi High Court on behalf of a renowned Korean company.

  •  Sending cease & desist notices, negotiating the withdrawal of conflicting marks or co-existence, filing oppositions, cancellation actions at the Trademark Registry or High Courts.

  • Advised and handled litigations and dispute resolution related to infringement, passing off, trademark dilution, unfair competition, domain name disputes, etc.

  • Represented subsidiary of a German global manufacturing company in filing civil action as well as criminal action against its ex-directors and ex-employees for recovery of embezzled funds belonging to the Company and was able to recover the embezzled amount.

  • Advised and assisted its clients in relation to internal disciplinary and grievance issues, including investigation support for adverse incidents pertaining to employee fraud, sexual harassment, etc.

  • Provided diligent support in organizing training sessions for management and employees, especially of multinational companies to provide clarity and awareness regarding the relevant regulations including the prevention of sexual harassment, anti-corruption, anti-bullying and anti-harassment, diversity and inclusion/ equal opportunity, whistle blower/vigil mechanism etc.

  • Conducted internal audits and create appropriate risk mitigation strategies, defence in investigations, criminal trials and appellate proceedings before Courts, corporate investigations and general advisory in relation to wrongdoings attributed to promoters and other employees, proceedings to protect personal liberty, blacklisting proceedings and cancellation of contracts.

  • Advised and assisted on assessment of certain fraudulent activities carried out by an employee involving the siphoning of funds to move to his personal accounts in India.

  • Advised a leading subsidiary of a US based company dealing in movie production on compliance structures and training programs related to anti-bribery and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

    • Chambers and Partners list Manishi in Band 1 for Employment Law, and he has been recognized as a ‘Top Ranked’ lawyer in 2023 and 2022 and as a leading employment law specialist in India since 2013.

    • Chambers and Partners ranked Manishi as a New Delhi-based recognized practitioner in the area of Corporate/M&A for 2014 and 2015. Chambers Global ranked Manishi as a New Delhi-based recognized practitioner in the area of Corporate/M&A for 2015.

    • Ranked by Benchmark Litigation (2025).

    • Praised as a “very experienced partner” with insight into complex employment issues.

    • Expert in employment aspects of M&A and compliance for international clients.

    • Named “Elite Practitioner” by Asia Law Profiles (2022, 2017, 2019, 2020).

    • Listed in Who’s Who Legal for Labour & Employment Law since 2009.

    • Recognised by Legal 500 as one of India’s leading lawyers, including in 2021.

    • Member and former officer of the Employment and Industrial Relations Law Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA)

    • Member of the Delhi High Court Bar Association

    • Member of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA)

    • Regular author and speaker on Labour & Employment law and foreign investment in India.

    • Published extensively with Kluwer Law and Law Business Research.

    • Lead author of Labour and Employment Compliance in India (9 editions, 2008–2021, Kluwer).

    • Contributed to Business Law Review (NLSIU) and World Bank Group’s Employing Workers 2021.

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