From unpaid supply contracts to disputes with vendors, distributors and service providers, we help businesses resolve commercial disagreements through negotiation, mediation and, where necessary, litigation designed to move quickly.
The Commercial Courts Act, 2015
Most business disputes of a specified value of ₹3 lakh or more are "commercial disputes" heard by commercial courts under this Act. Key features:
- Pre-institution mediation (Section 12A): unless urgent interim relief is needed, a suit can only be filed after mediation has been attempted. The Supreme Court has held this to be mandatory.
- Strict timelines: a defendant generally has to file a written statement within 120 days at the outside.
- Summary judgment (Order XIII-A): the court can decide a claim without full trial if the defence has no real prospect of success.
- Case management hearings to keep the case on schedule.
Summary suits for clear debts
Where your claim is based on a written contract, invoice or bill of exchange for a fixed sum, a summary suit under Order XXXVII CPC lets the court pass a decree quickly unless the defendant obtains leave to defend by showing a substantial defence.
What we handle
- breach of contract and non-payment claims;
- supplier, distributor, dealer and franchise disputes;
- service-level and quality disputes;
- pre-institution mediation and settlement agreements;
- urgent injunctions and attachment before judgment to stop a debtor dissipating assets;
- execution of decrees and settlement terms.
Preventing the next dispute
Many disputes start with an unclear contract. We review and draft agreements with clear payment terms, interest, security and dispute resolution clauses, often as part of a monthly retainer.
Frequently asked questions
Is mediation compulsory before a commercial suit?
Yes, unless the suit seeks urgent interim relief. Under Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, pre-institution mediation must be attempted first, and suits filed without it can be rejected.
What is the difference between a summary suit and a regular suit?
In a summary suit, the defendant cannot defend as of right and must obtain the court's leave by showing a real defence. This makes summary suits faster for clear, documented debts.
Can I stop the debtor from moving assets during the case?
Courts can order attachment before judgment or injunctions where there is evidence the defendant is trying to dispose of assets to defeat a decree.
This page is general information about Indian law as of 15 October 2026, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Please speak to a lawyer before acting on it. See our disclaimer.
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