Commercial Litigation

Frequently asked questions

How long does a commercial suit take in Chennai?

Commercial court matters are subject to statutory timelines under the Commercial Courts Act, but realistic disposal ranges from eighteen months to several years depending on the forum, evidence and appeals. We give an indicative range at the outset and revise it as the matter progresses.

Can a dispute be settled after proceedings begin?

Yes, and often it should be. Pre-institution mediation is mandatory in many commercial suits, and settlement remains available at any stage. We keep a negotiated exit open while the litigation runs.

Which court will hear our dispute?

It depends on the specified value of the claim, the subject matter and any exclusive-jurisdiction clause in your contract. Commercial disputes above the notified threshold go to the Commercial Division of the Madras High Court or a district commercial court; company and oppression matters go to the NCLT. We confirm the forum in writing before filing.

What does commercial litigation cost?

We quote in stages — pre-litigation assessment, pleadings and filing, interim applications, trial — rather than as a single open-ended figure, and we flag court fees and counsel fees separately so the budget is transparent from the start.

Can a foreign company sue in an Indian commercial court?

Yes. Foreign claimants regularly litigate in India, subject to security-for-costs directions in some cases. We handle vakalatnama execution, apostilled authorisations and evidence taken from abroad for overseas clients.

What documents should we preserve once a dispute arises?

Every contract and amendment, purchase orders, invoices, delivery and inspection records, email and messaging threads, and internal approvals. Under the Commercial Courts Act, documents not disclosed with the pleading can be shut out later, so preservation should begin the day a dispute becomes likely.