Leading experts from infrastructure sector converge at the QUEST 2018 by Singh & Associates

New Delhi: Singh & Associates (S&A), a leading full-service law firm, successfully hosted QUEST 2018 - Knowledge Exchange Series in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The event brought together experts and industry leaders from the Infrastructure Sector who shared their insights and experiences on various aspects of infrastructure project execution and dispute resolution. 

The event was organized with an aim to examine and discuss recent trends relating to dispute resolution and execution of infrastructure projects. Ms. Gunita Pahwa, Joint Managing Partner, S&A delivered the welcome address setting the tone for the event Quest 2018.

Quest 2018 was graced by Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Group CEO & Whole-time Director, Jindal Group and Mr. Jawed Zia, VP (Established Pharmaceuticals), ABBOTT India as Keynote Speakers. Quest 2018 also saw the presence of notable members from the Judiciary including Mr. Justice Sudhir Kumar Katriar, former judge of Patna High Court, Mr. Justice Anil Kumar, former Judge of the Delhi High Court, eminent industry leaders and participants comprising from companies such as Jindal SAW, Jindal ITF, DLF, ZTE, Siemens, Mitsui, Hitachi, Risland, Simplex Infra, EIEL, TechnipFMC, Genus Power Infrastructures Ltd., Fourth Partner Energy and members of PwC along with other dignitaries from the Government.

Mr. Kumar during his keynote address mentioned that Infrastructure is the backbone of India's growth, and when it comes to disputes arising in execution of infrastructure projects, it is inevitable and that arbitration indeed is one of the very important tools of dispute resolution as it mandates and offers a resolution within a specified timeline.

The keynote address by Mr. Zia highlighted the aspect of professional advice on dispute resolution matters and the importance of a legal partner with a pre-emptive mindset and strong multi-disciplinary team which he experienced while working with Singh & Associates which helped in effective resolution of disputes.  

Talking about the event, Mr. Manoj K Singh, Founding Partner, S&A said - “We would like to thank all the participants for dedicating their time to make the event so meaningful and productive. QUEST 2018, where PwC was our collaboration partner, was a unique event which has proved to be a successful platform for stakeholders to come together and exchange ideas relating to dispute resolution and execution of infrastructure projects.”

While addressing the audience and sighting real-life examples from his experience, Mr. Gaganpreet Puri, Partner & Leader, PwC explained, “Seeking experts’ views in the resolution process is the first step towards dispute resolution in the infrastructure sector”.

Some of the discussions and deliberations as part of QUEST 2018 were on Contract Structure and Management, Financial Risks, Criticality of Documentary Control & Discovery, Options for Dispute Resolution, etc.

During the panel discussion the panelists Mr. Manoj K Singh, Founding Partner, S&A, Mr. Tejus Chauhan, Arbitration Coordinator, ICC India, Mr. Sanjay Sharma, IIT (BHU), Mr. Sanjay Singh, Founder & Managing Director, Polestar Capital Advisory & Investment Holdings and, Mr. Gaganpreet Puri, Partner & Leader, PwC had an enlightening deliberation on various aspects of dispute resolution and execution of infrastructure projects.

IIT Professor, Mr. Brind Kumar during his presentation talked on the importance of the project engineer.

Quest 2018 was a great success, well attended by the experts from the infrastructure industry and provided the opportunity to the participants to network. S&A continuing in this endeavour, will be bringing forth next Quest - Knowledge Exchange Series in early 2019 with its focus on yet another industry and legal domain.