Human Resources, Labour & Employment
India's labour and employment framework is undergoing significant transformation with increasing formalisation, digitisation of compliance, evolving jurisprudence and the anticipated implementation of the new labour codes. Against this backdrop, businesses must navigate a web of central, state and municipal-level regulations while managing workforce relations in a compliant and commercially sound manner.
Overview
At Aequitas Law Partners, our Human Resources, Labour and Employment practice delivers strategic and practical advice across the full spectrum of employment-related legal matters. We support employers in structuring compliant HR policies, resolving workforce issues, managing disputes, conducting internal investigations and ensuring seamless compliance with statutory obligations. We provide tailored, sector-sensitive advice that balances legal obligations with operational realities. Our lawyers advise clients across industries, including manufacturing, infrastructure, information technology, pharmaceuticals, fintech, logistics, hospitality and professional services. We adopt a sector-agnostic approach while recognising the operational nuances and industry-specific labour considerations that may arise. Whether advising start-ups, SMEs or large enterprises, our focus is on enabling efficient workforce management with legal clarity and risk mitigation. Whether addressing day-to-day HR queries, drafting executive employment contracts or handling complex disputes, we provide responsive and commercially viable legal support throughout the employment lifecycle.
Areas of Expertise
- End-to-end legal assistance on labour and employment matters
- Central and state-specific labour law compliance
- New labour codes implementation and advisory
- Workforce restructuring and termination processes
- Employment disputes and litigation representation
- Executive compensation and ESOP structuring
- M&A employment integration and transfers
- POSH compliance and workplace investigations
- Global mobility and cross-border employment
Key Services
Our comprehensive service offerings in human resources, labour & employment
Employment Contracts and HR Documentation
Advising on drafting and standardisation of employment agreements, offer letters, employee handbooks, codes of conduct and HR policies. We also advise on assignment of intellectual property, confidentiality obligations and restrictive covenants such as non-compete and non-solicitation clauses.
Statutory Compliance and Advisory
Advising on central and state-specific labour law compliance including under the Industrial Disputes Act, Shops and Establishments Acts, Factories Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, ESI Act and under the new labour codes. We assist clients in audits, inspections and risk assessments.
Workforce Restructuring and Terminations
Assisting clients with workforce rationalisation, layoffs, closures and termination processes, including disciplinary action, settlements and retrenchment procedures. We ensure adherence to applicable notice, severance and consultation obligations and help mitigate litigation risks.
Employment Disputes and Litigation
Representing employers in employment-related disputes before labour courts, tribunals, industrial tribunals, High Courts and other forums. We advise on unlawful termination claims, disciplinary proceedings, employee misconduct and wage-related claims.
Executive Employment and Senior Hires
Advising on structuring executive compensation, incentive plans, deferred bonus arrangements, stock options (ESOPs), clawback clauses and separation terms for CXOs and key personnel.
Employment Issues in M&A and Business Transfers
Advising on transfer and integration of employees during mergers, acquisitions, hive-offs and business transfers, including on transfer of employment, continuity of service, notice pay, gratuity liabilities and harmonisation of benefits.
Workplace Investigations and POSH Compliance
Advising clients on internal investigations involving employee misconduct, harassment, whistleblower complaints and code of conduct violations. We assist with setting up Internal Committees under the POSH Act, drafting POSH policies, conducting trainings and managing end-to-end inquiry proceedings.
Global Mobility and Secondment
Assisting clients on structuring secondment arrangements, deputation agreements, expatriate employment and cross-border compliance involving immigration, tax and social security aspects.
Why ALP?
Our Human Resources, Labour and Employment team offers practical, solutions-oriented legal support that helps businesses foster compliant and productive workplaces. We understand that people-related matters are sensitive, high-impact and time-sensitive and require clear, actionable legal guidance. We combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of HR operations and internal governance, ensuring our advice is not just legally sound, but implementable in real-world business settings. Whether supporting daily HR operations, addressing policy-level questions or managing litigation and regulatory scrutiny, Aequitas Law Partners is a trusted advisor on all aspects of employment and labour law.