By /

Rahul Dhanuka

Indirect Tax Partner · GST & Customs Litigation · CESTAT & High Court Practice

⚖ Partner, Indirect Tax, Khaitan & Co 🏛 Tier 1 Indirect Tax Practice, Legal 500 📊 12+ Years at Khaitan & Co
Current Position
Partner, Indirect Tax
Firm
Khaitan & Co
Location
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Specialisation
GST, Customs & Indirect Tax Litigation

About

Rahul Dhanuka is a Partner in the Indirect Tax practice at Khaitan & Co, Kolkata — one of India’s most prestigious law firms, ranked Tier 1 for indirect tax by Legal 500 with 22 ranked lawyers. He has spent over twelve years at the firm, rising from Associate to Partner, and brings a rare blend of commercial acumen and deep legal expertise to GST, customs, and pre-GST indirect tax litigation. He has appeared in landmark matters before the Calcutta High Court and CESTAT, including a significant ruling on CENVAT credit for Jindal Stainless, a GST refund victory for Adani Wilmar under the inverted tax structure, and a precedent-setting judgment on stamp duty exemptions for copyright assignments. He also speaks at Khaitan & Co’s Union Budget Breakfast Sessions on indirect tax implications for businesses. Prior to his legal career, he gained industry experience at PwC and Vodafone, giving him a uniquely practical understanding of how indirect tax issues arise on the ground — making him an exceptional mentor for students and young lawyers targeting senior roles in India’s top-tier indirect tax practices.

Areas of Expertise

  • GST Advisory, Litigation & GSTAT Practice
  • Customs Law & Free Trade Agreement Benefits
  • CESTAT & High Court Indirect Tax Litigation
  • Pre-GST Taxes (Central Excise, Service Tax)
  • Stamp Duty & Revenue Law

Education & Experience

  • Partner – Khaitan & Co, Indirect Tax (Apr 2020–Present)
  • Principal Associate – Khaitan & Co (Apr 2017–Mar 2020)
  • Senior Associate – Khaitan & Co (Apr 2014–Mar 2017)
  • Associate Indirect Tax – PwC (Dec 2010–Nov 2011)
  • LL.B. – Vidyasagar University | CS – ICSI (2006–2009)

Practice Areas

GST Litigation Customs Law CESTAT Practice GSTAT Proceedings Indirect Tax Advisory Central Excise & Service Tax FTA & Trade Law Revenue & Stamp Duty

What I Offer

Indirect Tax Litigation Mentorship

Senior-level guidance on GST, customs, and CESTAT/GSTAT practice from a Tier 1 Khaitan & Co Partner with 12+ years of deep specialisation

Indirect Tax Career Roadmap

Honest insights on building a long-term indirect tax career at India’s leading law firms, from Associate to Partner level at Khaitan & Co

Industry to Law Firm Transition

Unique guidance for CS graduates and industry professionals (PwC, Vodafone background) on pivoting into top-tier indirect tax law practice

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