This could be Tubastrea sp belonging to Dendrophyllidae family. However, skeletal structure needs  to be studied for confirmation.

Dendrophyllidae is close yes but look at the branching.. 

Otherwise well known fishery scientists can correct the answer but I may agree with above. With regards.

Dear Dr. Deepak,

Could it be a species of Dendrophyllia (of Dendrophylliidae)?

Can you specify where it is from ?  and which depth ?

I would suggest Dendrophyllia fistula. See the dead section of the specimen pictured. D. fistula is found throughout the Indo-West Pacific. However it's impossible to be certain without a closer examination.

Dear all,

thank you for your comments.

@ Dr. Pandey, yes there are some coral taxonomists who have come forward to help.

@ Dr Achankunju - Still a bit confused. First family that satisfies is Dendrophyllidae!

@ Dr Kunzman - south east coast of India; depth - between 10- 20 meters

@ Dr Tupper - The branching is amazing and different from what is shown in D. fistula where it is vertical. In our specimen, besides the vertical branching from each polyp, there is a diagonal polyp growing half way itself .

Keeping my fingers crossed!!

Dr. Deepak,

Please consult Dr. Stephen D. Cairns. He is an expert on deep water  corals or non-reef building corals. He is on researchgate:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephen_Cairns

Best Regards,

M. Nithyanandan

Dear Dr. Nithy,

will pass on the query to Dr. Stephen D. Cairns. thanks again for the link

regards

Deepak

Dr Cairns has pointed it out this specimen to be under family Caryophyllidae. We are working on the minute details now.