Thread by @barandbench

Delhi High Court begins hearing appeal to its order staying the termination of Mohit Saraf from L&L partnership.

At the outset, Justice Sanjeev Narula discloses that he knows someone at L&L Partners. Counsel on both sides take no objection to his hearing the case

Court asking how much time counsel will take. Senior Advocate @DrAMSinghvi Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Luthra, says he will take 1 hour 30 mins. Senior Advocate Parag Tripathi, who will argue for Saraf, says he will take 45 mins.

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh: Rajiv Luthra has been in Kasauli for two months and is non-functional. AM Singhvi: By that logic, Harish Salve is non-functional in London and Arvind Datar is non-functional in Chennai!

#courtroomexchange

Lawyers on both sides arguing on the extent of stay that should be granted on the Single Judge's order.

Singhvi begins arguing on merits. This is a very special partnership deed which has endured for 21 years.

Never force two people to work together. The Single Judge finds this attractive, by proceeds to rule differently: Singhvi

The Court has been asked to create a disaster by allowing an injunctive mandamus: Singhvi

Every clause in the partnership deed is weighted in my (Luthra's) favour. After Saraf joined, the name did not change to Luthra & Saraf: Singhvi

Only person who can effect dissolution of the partnership is Luthra: Singhvi

Single Judge's verdict came on January 18. On 16th, there was a letter written by Saraf to Mr. Bhasin of L&L, "I hope you know that 1/3 of your salary an 1/3 of computers are owned by me. I will take care of you next week", Singhvi

Public notice by Saraf in the newspapers yesterday

Justice Endlaw frowns upon lawyers talking over each other. "If their qualities were to reflect in you, what is the point in having counsel?"

This is a Section 37 (Arbitration Act) appeal, all arguments are not open: Tripathi

Court dictates order. Total time for arguments restricted to two hours for each side. Counsel are requested to come up with interim arrangement for functioning of firm and for the benefits of its clients. Matter to be heard tomorrow for one hour, only for this purpose.

What happened to your SAMADHAN? Justice Endlaw asks Senior Advocate AS Chandhiok. Counsel informs Court that the mediation was done by Sriram Panchu.

Senior Gopal Sankaranarayanan - we were really close to a conclusion (in the mediation). We are open to trying again, Tripathi says.

Hearing ends.