Live Reporting | 16th NLU Antitrust Moot Court Competition, 2025 by NLU Jodhpur

The XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, organized by National Law University, Jodhpur, is set to take place from March 28 to 30, 2025. Over the years, this prestigious competition has grown to become India’s largest moot court event focused on competition law. With notable associations such as the Competition Commission of India and the renowned law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, the event promises exemplary legal discourse and commendable adjudication.

The event, this year, features participation from 36 teams, competing for coveted titles and substantial cash prizes across categories such as Best Team, Best Memoranda, and Best Student Advocate.

The moot proposition focuses on the interplay between regulatory authority and private enterprise, and requires the participants to examine critical questions of market dominance, revenue sharing, and regulatory overreach. Official documents and other relevant details can be found here.

10:30 AM: Inauguration Ceremony – XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025

The inauguration ceremony of the XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, commenced at 10:30 AM with distinguished dignitaries gracing the event. Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, Jodhpur, and Dr. Sunita Pankaj, Registrar, presided over the occasion. The event was further honored by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Augustine Peter, a notable figure in the field of competition law.

This year’s moot is held in the cherished memory of three NLUJ students — Ms. Aarushi Gupta, Mr. Aarav Midha, and Mr. V. Harshith — who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident. The competition stands as a tribute to their enduring spirit.

Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the evolving and relatively unexplored dimensions of antitrust law. She highlighted how the complexities of digital markets have necessitated significant legal reforms, including the Competition (Amendment) Act, as recommended by the Competition Law Review Committee (CLRC) and the 2022 Parliamentary Standing Committee. These reforms focus on addressing anti-competitive practices by Big Tech and identifying Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs).

Mr. Augustine Peter, the Chief Guest, a former Member of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), underscored the importance of mooting in developing the ability to think on one’s feet — a critical skill for aspiring legal professionals. He reflected on the significance of competition law in fostering market efficiency and discussed a recent case concerning AGI Greenpac’s acquisition of the insolvent Hindustan National Glass and Industries (HNG). He also commended the moot proposition for its lucidity, while noting its deceptively complex nuances. In conclusion, he extended his best wishes to all participants.

Mr. Siddarth Balani, Chairperson of the Moot Court Committee (MCC), spoke about the interdisciplinary nature of competition law and its interconnectedness with fundamental legal principles. He celebrated not only the 16th edition of the moot but also the legacy that NLU Jodhpur continues to uphold, emphasizing the platform it provides for learning and intellectual growth.

Ms. Harshita Jain, Co-Convenor of the Moot Court Committee, reflected on the enduring spirit of advocacy and intellectual rigor that the competition represents. She officially declared the XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, open, marking the beginning of three days of intense legal battles.

12:30 PM: Preliminary Rounds Begin

The preliminary rounds of the XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, commenced at 12:30 PM, marking the start of an intense legal battle where teams showcased their mastery over competition law.

Judges rigorously tested the participants on key antitrust concepts, focusing on the balance between free-market competition and regulatory oversight, the abuse of dominance, and cartelization in oligopolistic markets. Sharp questions were raised on the role of digital platforms, systemically important digital intermediaries (SIDIs), and the effectiveness of competition law in tackling Big Tech monopolies. Participants were also grilled on the extraterritorial reach of competition law, the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property rights, and the impact of anti-competitive agreements on consumer welfare.

3:45 PM: Reverse Preliminary Rounds

The reverse preliminary rounds commenced at 3:45 PM, offering teams a second opportunity to present their case from the opposite side. The shift in perspective challenged participants to exhibit versatility in legal reasoning, and the judges pressed them on intricate aspects of market dynamics and regulatory frameworks.

DAY 2: 29th March, 2025

12:00 PM: Octa-Finals