Bharat’s The Diary of an Independent Director by CA. Mohan R Lavi – 1st Edition 2026.

The Diary of an Independent Director is not a traditional, section-by-section legal commentary. Published by Bharat Law House, this 1st Edition (2026) is a candid, deeply reflective, and highly practical guide to surviving and succeeding on a corporate board in India. Written by CA. Mohan R. Lavi—a veteran with over 30 years of corporate and professional experience—the book answers the questions statutes cannot: What do you do when the room goes quiet? How do you manage a dominant promoter? When do you walk away?

Part 1: The Diary (The Experiential Journey)

The first half of the book chronicles the lifecycle of an independent directorship through a narrative diary format. It bridges the gap between the “Rule Book” (Companies Act, SEBI LODR, MCA Data Bank) and the stark reality of boardroom dynamics.

• The Appointment: Deciphers the fine print in the appointment letter and the often-inadequate induction processes.

• In the Room: Navigates the trial-by-fire of the first board meeting, the heavy lifting inside the Audit and NRC committees, and the ethical dilemmas of CSR.

• The Exits & Lessons: Unflinchingly addresses the darker side of the role—facing regulator scrutiny, the personal liability that shadows your signature, and the anatomy of a necessary resignation.

Part 2: The Almanack (The Advisory Blueprint)

The second half transitions from a diary into an “Almanack”—a compendium of behavioral strategies and hard-won wisdom for the boardroom.

• The Art of Inquiry: Teaches the independent director’s most powerful tool: asking the right questions at the right time.

• Relationship Management: Offers strategies for balancing relationships with the Promoter, the CEO, and representing the silent voice of the minority shareholder.

• ESG & New Accountability: Explores the modern director’s responsibility beyond the balance sheet, focusing on sustainability and the 30 common mirrors of governance failures.

• The Dos and Don’ts: Closes with 10 hard-won “Dos and Don’ts,” offered without apology, and critical appendices including Schedule IV codes and SEBI LODR obligations.

Who Should Buy This Book?

• Current & Aspiring Independent Directors: An absolute must-read to understand the personal liabilities, cultural dynamics, and regulatory expectations of the role.

• Company Secretaries & Compliance Officers: Provides deep insight into what independent directors need from the secretarial team to function effectively.

• Corporate Lawyers & Advisors: Offers the practical, behavioral context behind Section 149 and SEBI LODR disputes.

• Promoters & CEOs: A rare look into the mindset of the independent directors they invite into their boardrooms.

About the Author

CA. Mohan R. Lavi

CA. Mohan R. Lavi is a senior practicing Chartered Accountant, corporate consultant, author, and speaker based in Bengaluru, India. With over 30 years of post-qualification experience, he possesses a rare dual perspective: having spent 25 years in senior finance leadership roles at manufacturing and software multinationals (including JDA Software and Ellucian), and currently serving as a Partner at M/s K.P. Rao & Co., where he heads the Financial Reporting and GST practices.

He is an expert faculty member for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for their Ind AS and GST certification courses, bringing unparalleled financial literacy and corporate governance expertise to this book.

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