Shyamal Mukherjee, former chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India, has approached the Supreme Court in a legal battle against the firm over retirement settlement benefits. Mukherjee, who retired in 2021 after a 37-year tenure, alleges that PwC failed to honor the agreed financial terms of his exit package.
Legal Dispute & Arbitration Battle
Mukherjee initially sought arbitration through the Bombay High Court in 2024, challenging PwC’s handling of his retirement dues. The case was also filed in the Karnataka High Court, as the arbitration agreement stipulated jurisdiction in Karnataka. The Bombay High Court appointed Justice M.S. Sanklecha as the sole arbitrator, but the ruling went against Mukherjee, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court.
PwC, in response, proactively filed a caveat in March 2025, ensuring they would be heard before any ruling was passed. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed Mukherjee’s appeal, upholding the Karnataka High Court’s verdict in favor of PwC.
Supreme Court Verdict & Industry Reactions
The division bench of Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih ruled that Mukherjee’s claims lacked sufficient grounds under the Arbitration Act. Legal experts note that the case underscores the importance of clear contractual agreements in corporate retirements.
While Mukherjee has yet to respond to the verdict, PwC has maintained that its settlement process adhered to legal and contractual obligations. The ruling is expected to set a precedent for similar disputes in the corporate sector.
