Vaishnavi Rao
Vaishnavi has substantial experience in civil and commercial litigation before the Indian courts as well as in (domestic and international) arbitrations. Among others, she has acted as counsel in several precedent-setting disputes before the courts and tribunals in New Delhi that have specifically involved company law, insolvency law, securities law, intellectual property, and energy (electricity and transmission).
In arbitration proceedings and arbitration-related litigation, she has substantial sector-specific experience in construction, energy, and commodities. Those arbitrations have been both ad hoc and institutional, conducted under various rules, including the SIAC, ICC, and DIAC rules.
Vaishnavi previously worked for over a decade at leading law firms in New Delhi.
Highlights
Takano v. SEBI: Acted for the petitioner (T. Takano) in proceedings (Supreme Court) relating to the legal requirement for the securities regulator to disclose internal investigation reports.
Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar v. A.R. Rahman & Ors.: Acted for A.R. Rahman in High Court proceedings (Delhi High Court) relating to copyright infringement claims involving a Hindustani classical composition.
Zostel Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. v. Oravel Stays Pvt. Ltd. (OYO): Acted for OYO in arbitration proceedings (ad-hoc, seated in New Delhi) relating to a term sheet regarding the sale of business and shares.
X (Foreign Buyers) v. Y (Indian Coal Supplier): Acted for an Indian coal supplier in a set of arbitrations (ad hoc and SIAC rules, seated in New Delhi and Singapore respectively) relating to a commodity and logistics contract for the supply of coal.
Publications
Private commercial contracts may impose public accountability India Business Law Journal (Vol. 18, Issue 9) 2025
Definitive ruling on arbitration seat and venue India Business Law Journal (Vol. 18, Issue 6) 2025
No uncertainty in multiple seat arbitration provision India Business Law Journal (Vol. 17, Issue 9) 2024
Credentials
Education
National University of Singapore (Singapore) 2023 – LL.M. | International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Gujarat National Law University (Gandhinagar) 2014 – B.Sc. / LL.B. (Honours)
Admissions
India (Advocate)