By Aditya Kalra

NEW DELHI, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Pernod Ricard's

legal head in India has resigned, said two sources with direct

knowledge of the matter, a key departure at a time when the

French liquor giant faces many legal and regulatory headaches in

the critical Indian market.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the

official, Bijoya Roy, will join Google in November as its top

India counsel, with the U.S. tech giant confronting several

antitrust investigations of its own.

Roy, who joined Pernod in 2021, declined to comment. Google

and Pernod did not respond to queries from Reuters.

Roy was part of Pernod India's leadership team and also led

its compliance division.

India accounts for a tenth of Pernod's group sales.

Euromonitor estimates that Pernod, the purveyor of brands such

as Chivas and Absolut, has market share of 16% by volume in the

$35-billion spirits market.

During Roy's tenure, Pernod has faced several investigations

and legal cases, including a $250-million tax demand following

accusations of undervaluation of imports, which it is

contesting.

In the capital, New Delhi, Pernod faces criminal proceedings

on accusations of gaining market share by asking city retailers

to stock more of its goods in return for helping them secure

loans to bid for store licences.

Pernod, which has denied wrongdoing, is now prohibited from

selling its liquor products in the city.

The French drinks group also faces two antitrust cases in

India, but has said it is committed to complying with domestic

law.