Introduction

Hiroo Advani has more than 50 years of experience in successfully representing clients in multi-million-dollar awards in domestic and international arbitration, both ad hoc and institutional (governed by the LCIA, SIAC, and ICC). His experience and expertise spans sectors, including construction, infrastructure, energy, financial services, and FMCG. Hiroo’s role extends beyond counsel to arbitrator, having presided over significant arbitrations, including recent appointments as Presiding Arbitrator under SIAC and Co-Arbitrator under LCIA. His election to the Court of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre in 2023 underscores his standing as a key figure in the global arbitration landscape.

Indicative Experience

• Representing Cox & Kings in arbitration proceedings against SAP India Pvt. Ltd. and SAP GmbH, addressing the inclusion of non-signatories in arbitration under Indian law. This case culminated in a landmark Supreme Court judgment that upheld the “Group of Companies Doctrine.
• Representing Aquatech Systems Asia Pvt. Ltd. in an arbitration against SKS Power Generation (Chhattisgarh) Ltd. concerning a water purification plant. The tribunal delivered a favourable award, which is currently under challenge in the Delhi High Court, with parallel proceedings ongoing before the NCLT.
• Representing Dolphin Offshore in a series of UNCITRAL arbitrations against Indian public sector undertakings related to offshore oilfield services contracts.
• Advising Godrej Industries Limited in a domestic arbitration over disputes involving the supply and installation of power generation equipment. The arbitration addressed issues of defective performance and breach of warranty, resulting in a favourable outcome for Godrej.
• Representing Naik Services in an LCIA arbitration against a European multinational concerning a joint venture dispute over a major infrastructure project in India. The arbitration concluded with a favourable award.
• Representing Schlumberger before various arbitral tribunals in India and internationally, including under SIAC rules, in disputes related to offshore oil and gas projects. Successfully secured multi-million-dollar awards.
• Representing Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in a high-stakes arbitration against a state agency involving disputes arising from a major metro rail contract. The arbitration involved issues of delay, cost escalation, and contract termination, resulting in a favourable award for L&T.
• Representing ISOLUX in an international arbitration against a Middle Eastern government entity involving claims exceeding USO 200 million related to the construction of a solar power plant. The arbitration, conducted under ICC rules, concluded with a substantial award in favour of ISOLUX.
• Representing Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in an arbitration with a global shipping conglomerate concerning the construction of port infrastructure. The arbitration resulted in a landmark award reinforcing key legal principles related to time extensions and liquidated damages.
• Representing Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) in an offshore drilling contract arbitration against M3nergy in an ICC arbitration, successfully obtaining an award exceeding INR 1000 crore.
• Representing Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in two ICC arbitrations regarding EPC issues, against a consortium of Tata Projects Limited & Danieli Corus (Netherlands) and against JSC Cryogenmash Russia.
• Advising National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NH PC) Ltd. in multiple arbitration-related matters, including Section 34 and Section 37 applications before the Delhi High Court, involving disputes with major construction contractors.