Lee Kim Tah pursues legal action in India JV dispute

The company is seeking $2.21m (INR16.5 crore) in damages.

Lee Kim Tah (Pte) Ltd has filed civil proceedings in India against two directors of L&W Construction Private Limited following governance audit findings tied to the company’s Indian joint venture.

In a statement on 26 May, Lee Kim Tah said proceedings were filed on 28 April in the Commercial Court Division of the City Civil and Sessions Court at Bengaluru against Kim Yong Tiam Yoon, chairman of Woh Hup Holdings, and Eugene Yong Kon Yoon with L&W Construction also named as a defendant.

The company said the court granted urgent interim protective orders on 2 May restraining the defendants from taking steps detrimental to L&W’s interests or entering into transactions not conducted at arm’s length.

Lee Kim Tah and Woh Hup each indirectly own 50% of L&W Construction through Lee Kim Tah–Woh Hup Pte Ltd.

According to Lee Kim Tah, the proceedings relate to governance findings involving L&W managing director Asaithambi Manickam, a Woh Hup employee seconded to the company.

The company said concerns first emerged in 2023 after complaints from employees and CapitaLand over alleged payments in exchange for preferential treatment on projects.

Lee Kim Tah said KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP in India conducted a forensic review that identified related-party transactions linked to Manickam’s associates, alleged duplicate and fictitious work orders, payments to client employees, and misuse of company funds and resources.

It added that Khaitan & Co later confirmed multiple instances of misconduct and policy breaches.

Lee Kim Tah said WongPartnership LLP advised that there were legal grounds for civil proceedings, with estimated damages of $3.21m (INR24 crore) to $4.41m (INR33 crore).

The company is seeking $2.21m (INR16.5 crore) in damages, representing its alleged 50% share of losses.

Lee Kim Tah also alleged that audit reports and legal advice were withheld or disclosed in stages, and that recommended legal action against Manickam was not pursued.

Separately, the company said it has filed reports with Singapore’s Commercial Affairs Department and Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau relating to alleged misconduct by Manickam and associated individuals.

Lee Kim Tah said Manickam was placed on paid leave in January 2025 following action by Indian tax authorities and remains employed by L&W.

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