An impending round of bad-loan provisioning by Indian banks provides an opportunity for private equity and special-situation funds to pick up soured assets at lower prices. Brought on by the expiry of a central-bank deadline for lenders to clean up their balance sheets, the expected provisions will force them to recognize lower valuations on bad debt, making them easier to dispose, according to S. Sriniwasan, chief executive officer of the Kotak Special Situations Credit Fund.