Face2News/Chandigarh
NMIMS Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, successfully hosted the prestigious National Moot Court Competition on March 22-23, 2025. The two-day event saw participation from 28 teams across the country, with each team consisting of three members—two speakers and one researcher—providing a platform for aspiring legal professionals to demonstrate their advocacy skills and legal acumen.
The competition commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony, featuring a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. Dr. Rashmi Khurana Nagpal, Director of NMIMS Chandigarh, welcomed esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Jagmohan Bansal and Guest of Honour Dr. Balram K. Gupta. In her address, Dr. Nagpal reflected on her personal journey as a law student, underscoring the value of early exposure to mooting. She also shared an inspiring anecdote about eminent lawyer Raj Bihari Ghosh, highlighting the role of quick thinking and legal acumen in advocacy.
Dr. Balram K. Gupta, a stalwart in legal education, shared insights from his tenure at Panjab University, where he pioneered the concept of a Moot Society. He emphasized the significance of mooting as a training ground for budding lawyers and recounted anecdotes about legal luminaries like Nani Palkhiwala and Tej Bahadur Sapru, encouraging students to pursue excellence.
Chief Guest Jagmohan Bansal addressed the gathering, elaborating on the three pillars of legal practice—client acquisition, thorough preparation, and courtroom performance. Drawing from personal experiences and select film excerpts, he illustrated key lessons in legal strategy and ethics. He emphasized the ABC rule—Availability, Behavior, and Competence—as essential qualities for a successful legal career.
The competition saw intense rounds of arguments, with the preliminary and quarterfinals held on March 22, where experienced advocates judged the proceedings. The semi-finals and finals took place on March 23, with teams presenting compelling arguments before a distinguished panel, including senior advocates and sitting judges.
The moot proposition was centered around Aryan, a 17-year-old minor who, despite being underage, was tried as an adult for a criminal offense. Aryan, aged 17 years and 305 days, was considered a child in conflict with the law under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Dr. Balram K. Gupta, a stalwart in legal education, shared insights from his tenure at Panjab University, where he pioneered the concept of a Moot Society. He emphasized the significance of mooting as a training ground for budding lawyers and recounted anecdotes about legal luminaries like Nani Palkhiwala and Tej Bahadur Sapru, encouraging students to pursue excellence. Chief Guest Jagmohan Bansal addressed the gathering, elaborating on the three pillars of legal practice—client acquisition, thorough preparation, and courtroom performance. Drawing from personal experiences and select film excerpts, he illustrated key lessons in legal strategy and ethics. He emphasized the ABC rule—Availability, Behavior, and Competence—as essential qualities for a successful legal career.
A Special Leave Petition (SLP) was filed in the Supreme Court under Article 136, highlighting the exceptional nature of the case and the grave miscarriage of justice in trying Aryan as an adult. The moot proposition sparked intense debates surrounding the legal principles of juvenile justice, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors in conflict with the law according to the established framework of the Juvenile Justice Act.
The closing ceremony was graced by legal luminaries, including Advocate Ankur Mittal (Additional Advocate General, Haryana), Hon’ble Justice Raj Shekhar Attri (Retd. Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court), Hon’ble Justice Mahabir Singh Sandhu (Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court), and Shri Pawanjit Singh (President, District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, U.T. Chandigarh). The dignitaries emphasized the importance of mooting as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical legal experience.
Hon’ble Justice Raj Shekhar Attri lauded the competition, calling it a replica of real court proceedings that enhances students’ legal acumen. He appreciated the moot proposition's focus on juvenile justice and cited recent case laws, including the Pune car crash case, to emphasize the evolving legal landscape regarding juvenile offenders. He reiterated that “bail is the norm, and its denial is an exception.”
Hon’ble Justice Mahabir Singh Sandhu advised students to balance legal tradition with innovation and not to rely solely on artificial intelligence, urging them to develop original legal arguments. He emphasized the growing importance of mediation in India and encouraged practical learning over theoretical study.
Dr. Balram K. Gupta compared the competition to Wimbledon, emphasizing that moots serve as a laboratory for future lawyers. He shared valuable litigation tips, highlighting the importance of client relationships, courtroom demeanor, and ethical practice.
The final round witnessed an exhilarating face-off between top teams. Symbiosis Law School, Pune secured the first prize, while Army Institute of Law, Mohali was the runner-up. The Best Researcher Award was presented to Panjab University for their outstanding research skills. The judges commended the participants' research, drafting, and argumentative skills, affirming that the future of the legal profession is in capable hands.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, the national anthem, and a group photograph, marking the end of a competitive and intellectually stimulating event. NMIMS Chandigarh’s successful hosting of the National Moot Court Competition reaffirms its commitment to fostering legal excellence and practical advocacy training for future legal professionals.