KSR & CO
COMPANY SECRETARIES LLP ®
Our Journey: The Story Behind KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP
KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP is the brainchild of Dr. K.S. Ravichandran, a distinguished expert in Corporate and Securities Law with over three decades of illustrious experience. From the very beginning, Dr. KSR envisioned a professional firm that would blend expertise, innovation, and integrity to provide exceptional corporate advisory services. Dr. K.S. Ravichandran known for his sharp arguments before Tribunals in several cases. Dr. Ravichandran is as multifaceted personality with several avatars such as Corporate Law expert, Independent Director, Researcher, Auditor, Adviser, Teacher, and Author. His mantra, “FOCUS is the magic,” encapsulates his approach to life and work, inspiring his team and clients alike to achieve greatness.
During the entire journey, KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP could transform governance levels in several entities. The Firm has established a reputation in providing compliance solutions to several corporates including industry giants across the country. The Firm is known for rendering opinions, providing strategic solutions, compliance management, secretarial audits, mergers and acquisitions, foreign collaborations, joint ventures, capital raising programmes, equity investment transactions, supporting clients in getting relief and remedies in offences and prosecution, providing guidance in resolving disputes, insolvency resolution and what not.
The Firm encourages alternative dispute resolution mechanism because businesses cannot wait or rot on account of disputes amongst partners, directors, shareholders, and other stakeholders. The Firm has handled several significant cases involves passing off / infringement of trademarks. The Firm has a reputation in the field of registration and protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) is and has been instrumental for registration of several hundreds of trademarks, and for registration of several industrial designs and grant of patents.
Our values
At KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP, our values form the foundation of everything we do. They inspire us to serve our clients with excellence and build lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and professionalism.
Flexibility
Integrity
Vision
Velocity
People
CS Darsana Menon
Chief Manager - Compliance and Audits
Ms. Darsana Menon is an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. She has been associated with KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP since 2019, where she focuses on corporate law, particularly the Companies Act, 2013, and SEBI Regulations.
Her areas of expertise include compliance management, secretarial audits, and transaction advisory services. She is known for her proficiency in guiding business owners and startups in selecting the right business entity and creating an ideal corporate structure. She also advises clients on corporate charters, codes, policies, and drafts contracts, resolutions, notices, and other key documents.
She plays a pivotal role in major corporate law projects within the firm and regularly renders expert opinions on various legal matters. She has authored articles on capital reduction and women empowerment, published in ICSI publications, and has spoken at firm-hosted seminars and webinars on topics like related party transactions, fast-track mergers, and startups. Additionally, she has completed specialized training on ‘Anti-Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace’ and has received the Best Staff of the Year Award for 2021-22 and 2023-24. She has also completed a certificate course in the NBFC Regulatory Landscape.
CS S. Jayalakshmi
Manager - Compliances and Audits
Ms. S Jayalakshmi, is an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Commerce. She is with KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP ever since 2016 and is much sought after for legal research in (a) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016; (b) Companies Act, 2013; and (c) Securities Laws. Her analytical skills in researching relevant case laws are commendable.
She is an expert in Compliance Management Solutions for MSME Clients and renders active support to their secretarial compliance needs. On the legal side, she is an expert in not only drafting high value Resolution Plans but also in dissecting resolution plans to see if they are in accordance with law.
Her achievements include being awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the firm for the year 2016-2017, publishing an article titled “Journey of MSMEs in its Attempt to Resuscitate through Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process (‘PPIRP’)” in the 24th National Conference for Practising Company Secretaries, and receiving a Certificate of Merit for being in the top 10% performers in the 2nd and 4th National Online Quiz on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, conducted by IBBI. Additionally, she has completed specialized training on 'Anti-Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace' conducted by the Labour Laws Institute.
CS Aishwarya M Banthia
Manager - Compliances and Audits
Ms. Aishwarya M Banthia is an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India & Institute of Chartered Accountants of India along with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce.
She is undertaking Business and Compliance Advisory Services and Secretarial Audits. She does secretarial audits, due diligence audits and transaction-based audits, and CSR Project Management Audits.
She is an expert in CSR, BRSR, ESG and other core subjects. She has developed trackers for compliances under Listing Regulations. She has also completed a certificate course in the NBFC Regulatory Landscape.
She has gained good experience in Board Process, devising Performance Evaluation Parameters for Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management Personnel. Under Business Advisory Services, she studies the core business pillars and structures Overall Governance Guidance Framework, which includes providing the basis for an assessment of risk.
Her core areas of practice are Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Regulations and FEMA Regulations. She has been associated with KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP from 2021 onwards.
She has organised and spoken in seminars and webinars hosted by the Firm especially on topics like Regulatory Compliances, Related Party Transactions, CSR and FEMA and FDI Policy.
Adv. D. Jayalakshmi
Associate - Legal
Ms. D. Jayalakshmi, a practicing lawyer ever since 2014, has been exclusively retained by KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP as one of their legal associate since June 2015.
With a specialization in Trademarks, she offers expertise in areas such as adoption, search, opposition proceedings, registration, and protection. She is an expert in court procedures, regularly appears before Civil Courts, the National Company Law Tribunal, the Trademarks Tribunal, and the Registrar of Trademarks.
Her knowledge and experience in trademarks law and practice make her a valuable asset to the firm, ensuring robust legal representation and protection for clients' trademark interests.
Adv. R. Sruthi
Associate - Legal
Ms. R. Sruthi a practicing lawyer and a qualified Company Secretary comes with 5 years post qualification experience in the field of Corporate Laws, Commercial Laws, Debt Recovery, Insolvency, and Bankruptcy Laws. She holds a B. Com LLB (Hons.) degree from The School of Law, Sastra University, Thanjavur, with First Class honors. She has been exclusively retained as a Legal Associate of KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP ever since 2019.
Her practice focuses on Corporate and Individual Insolvency matters, representing Debtors, Creditors, and Resolution Professionals before Adjudicating Authorities. She also specializes in Compounding, Adjudication, Inquiries, Inspection, and Investigations under the Companies Act, 2013.
She has developed a niche in drafting appeals for the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, including representing the case of aircraft maintenance engineers in the high-profile Jet Airways case. She is an expert in drafting resolution plans and in representing stakeholders before the committee of creditors.
She has co-authored an article on 'Women Empowerment' in the ICSI’s "Chartered Secretary" journal and has completed training on Anti-Sexual Harassment at the Workplace. Recently, she was the expert speaker in a webinar on schemes of arrangements under the Companies Act, 2013 involving selective reduction of share capital.
R. Valluvan
AGM - Compliance Management & Public Relations
Mr. R. Valluvan, Manager, plays multiple roles. He has been a valuable asset of the Firm for over 3 decades.
He takes complete charge of business entity formation and incorporation, liaison with Registrar of Companies, Regional Directors of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and does filing and registration of various forms and returns under the Companies Act, 2013. Often, he will be summoned to resolving critical issues in incorporation, filing and registration on the MCA portal. He is also the client relationship manager.
He oversees all registrations with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), including GST and Partnership Firm Registrations. His expertise lies in Company Incorporation and the meticulous monitoring and filing of forms with respect to MCA regulations.
With a deep understanding of statutory compliances and strict adherence to rules and a strong commitment to serving clients to their satisfaction, he contributes significantly to the firm’s success.
S. Shilpa
AGM - Admin & Accounts
Ms. S. Shilpa, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and brings 25 years of experience to her role. She is responsible for maintaining the Firm’s accounts, ensuring accurate financial records, and overseeing the timely payment of salaries and remuneration, rents and taxes and dues to operational and financial creditors.
Additionally, she manages general office administration, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Her extensive experience in accounting, maintenance of books and records, PF, GST and Income Tax compliances, and general administration enables her to effectively coordinate multiple tasks, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and contributing to the overall efficiency of the organization. Her experience and dedication make her a valuable asset of the Firm.
OUR TEAM
Dr. C.V. Madhusudhanan
Partner
Dr. C.V. Madhusudhanan, Partner, holds an impressive academic background, including a Ph.D. in Corporate Secretaryship, a Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), and a Bachelor's degree in Science and Law. He is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and holds a Certificate in Corporate Governance from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Additionally, he is a Registered Trademarks Agent and an Insolvency Professional.
With over 30 years of experience in corporate law, securities law, and foreign exchange management, he specializes in secretarial audits, due diligence, and transaction advisory services, with a strong focus on mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, and investments. His expertise extends to corporate governance audits, corporate insolvency resolution processes under the IBC, and liquidation and winding-up procedures under both the IBC and company law.
A regular speaker at workshops and seminars, he shares his knowledge on corporate laws, economic legislations, securities laws, intellectual property, and more. He is also an avid mentor, having guided numerous students at ICSI through classroom sessions and apprentice training. The Secretarial Audit Report signed by him bagged the Best Secretarial Audit Report Award for the year 2019-20 from ICSI.
CS V.R. Sankaranarayanan
Partner
Mr. V.R. Sankaranarayanan, Partner is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce.
With over 15 years of experience, he is a highly respected professional, particularly known for his expertise in Compliance Advisory and Solutions. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience make him a trusted advisor in regulatory compliance matters.
He specializes in secretarial audits, due diligence audits, and handles a wide range of regulatory compliance approvals and registrations. These include registrations under MSME, DGFT, Startup under DPIIT, Charitable Trusts, Partnership Firms, as well as Trusts and Societies under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
His ability to navigate complex compliance frameworks has made him a sought-after expert in his field.
CS Raghunath Ravi
Partner
Mr. Raghunath Ravi, Partner is heading the Chennai office. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) with 30 years of post-qualification experience. Throughout his commendable career, he has worked with prominent companies such as Mettur Beardsell Ltd, Spartek Ceramics Ltd, TTK Pharma, Kothari Group, Rane Group, and TVS Group, spanning various industrial sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
He has extensive expertise in handling corporate law matters, including mergers, amalgamations, and restructuring of companies, foreign technical collaboration agreements, and the negotiation and finalization of investment terms by both private equity and domestic/foreign investors. He is also proficient in drafting and vetting share subscription agreements, shareholder agreements, business acquisition / transfer agreements, stock option schemes, drafting and vetting policies, codes and charters.
A highly sought-after professional for transaction advisory services, due diligence audits, and compliance solutions, he is known for his sharp analytical skills and meticulous approach to document analysis. He has successfully led several due diligence assignments for the firm. In addition to his professional work, he has authored over 100 articles on corporate laws, published in The Hindu Business Line and Taxmann Publications, and actively engages with the corporate community on LinkedIn, sharing his insights on corporate law matters.
L. Santhanam
Associate - Industrial Audits & Innovation Analyst
Er. Santhanam Lakshmanan is an Associate at KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP, overseeing the Bangalore office. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from the Institution of Engineers (India), a Bachelor's Degree in Law from Karnataka State Law University (KSLU), and a Diploma in Operations Management from IGNOU. Additionally, he is an IRCA certified Lead Auditor for QMS-ISO 9001-2015 and OHSAS-ISO 18001 OHSMS-ISO 45001-2018.
With over nine years of experience at the firm, he specializes in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) law, Environment Law, Labour Law, Industrial Audits, and Innovation Analysis. A Chartered Engineer, Advocate, and Registered Patent Agent, Er. Lakshmanan focuses on Patent Technological Search and Analysis for various subject matters.
With a career spanning over four decades, Er. Lakshmanan served in the Indian Air Force for over 20 years, before moving to corporate roles in real estate and infrastructure management with organizations like Jones Lang LaSalle and Cushman & Wakefield. He has successfully guided clients through patent registrations both in India and globally and has conducted numerous industrial audits. He enables registration and protection of industrial designs and studying and analysing and presenting a map of the gaps in registration of trademarks. Additionally, he provides independent consultancy for ISO certifications and regularly writes newsletters on IPR, Environment Law, and Industrial Safety.
Adv. S. Manjuladevi
Associate - Senior in House Counsel
Ms. S. Manjuladevi, Associate - Senior in-House Counsel, heading the legal department, is a highly accomplished legal professional with over 15 years of experience in Corporate and Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Debt Recovery, SARFAESI, and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and has been a member of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu since 2005.
Throughout her career, she has independently managed several high-profile cases, including Trademark Infringement and Passing-off Suits. She has successfully represented clients in various Courts and Tribunals, including Principal District Courts, Commercial Courts, the High Court, and the National Company Law Tribunal. Her practical experience and deep expertise in Corporate Laws have earned her significant recognition. She has also been appointed by the Hon'ble NCLT as Scrutinizer and Chairman of meetings in matters involving Mergers and other Schemes of Arrangements. Additionally, she has completed specialized training on 'Anti-Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace' from the Labour Laws Institute.
She has received numerous awards and commendations, including the "Best Associate Award" during the 25th Anniversary of the firm. However, she considers client satisfaction as the most significant endorsement of her skills.
She has delivered lectures on topics such as the plight of Operational Creditors under the IBC, the challenges faced by Minority Shareholders due to Oppression and Mismanagement, and the registration and protection of Trademarks.
Our Creative Founder
Dr. K.S.Ravichandran, the Managing Partner of KSR & Co Company Secretaries LLP, is a distinguished expert in Corporate and Securities Law, with over 30 years of experience. Holding an M. Com from Madurai Kamaraj University, an LLB from Sardar Patel University, a Fellow Company Secretary (FCS) from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, and a PhD from Alagappa University, he is a seasoned researcher, adviser, and author. He has successfully argued numerous cases reported in leading law journals and has provided expert guidance to top companies, MSMEs, and NGOs. He is also known for his work representing MSMEs before the Government of India. A former specialist with the Indian Air Force, he is revered for his leadership, mentoring, and his guiding principle: “FOCUS is the magic.”
He has authored and contributed to several notable publications in the field of corporate law. Some of his key works include Secretarial, Securities and Management Audit (Bharat Law House, New Delhi), Prosecution of Directors and Officers – Reliefs and Remedies (Snowwhite Publishers, Mumbai), and Secretarial Audit of Compliances under Economic, Labour and Securities Laws (CCGRT of ICSI). He has also written extensively on topics such as The Law relating to Charges, Debt Recovery, Enforcement of Security Interest, and Creditors’ Winding Up of Companies (All India Report, Nagpur), and A Treatise on the Law Relating to Limited Liability Partnership (All India Report, Nagpur).
He is also a Specialist Editor for M.C. Bhandari’s Company Law Procedure (Lexis Nexis, New Delhi) and has co-authored the Guide to Companies Act - Ramaiya (19th Edition) (Lexis Nexis). His other notable publications include Offences Under Corporate Laws (Bloomsbury, New Delhi, 3rd Edition), CSR, Emerging Opportunities & Challenges in India (Lexis Nexis, New Delhi), and CSR, ESG and Charitable Institutions (Lexis Nexis, 2nd Edition), among others. His contribution to the field of corporate law is further exemplified through his role as one of the specialist editors for Company Law – 19th Edition of the book “A Guide to Companies Act” by A. Ramaiya.
Managing Partner
Dr. K.S. Ravichandran
His expertise spans multiple facets of corporate law, including Company Law, Securities Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Dispute Resolution, Corporate Governance, and Audit. Passionate about supporting startups, SSEs, SMEs, and REITs, he has made significant contributions to the development of these sectors.
Vision
"Our vision is to empower organizations to achieve exemplary governance standards, foster a strong compliance culture, and drive ethical and sustainable growth. We aim to usher in an era of integrity, transparency, and resilience in the business world."
Mission
"We are committed to providing unparalleled expertise in corporate governance, compliance, risk management, CSR, ESG, dispute resolutions, IPRs, and data privacy. Our mission is to provide a strong support to our clients in their endeavours to achieve their governance goals, and enable them to translating their commitment to creating exceptional stakeholder value, long-term success in a sustainable way."