The Moot Court Society, O.P Jindal Global University conducted the first international arbitration moot court competition, 2024, wherein teams representing the top universities participated from all over the country.
About JGLS
JGU started its first academic year in 2009 when it established India’s first international law school. JGLS is dedicated to teach its students worldwide legal knowledge. The curriculum and pedagogy are meant to expose students to domestic, international, and comparative legal courses thereby fulfilling this goal. JGLS has also engaged top universities and institutions throughout the world in partnerships, exchanges, research projects, and other types of contact ready to share their priceless intellectual resources created over decades.
About MCS
JGLS boasts a vivid and lively mooting scene. Working closely with the administration for planning, training, and execution of its operations, the student-led Moot Court Society (MCS) is The MCS wants to establish for the students a solid legacy of successful mooting for years to come. Since 2017, the MCS, under the direction of Faculty Directors and the MCS Board, has hosted various esteemed moots including annual Indian Vis Pre-Moot Court Competition. We have also effectively coordinated four annual JIRICO Moot Court Competitions. We broadened our efforts this year by starting the 1st National Trial Advocacy Moot (NTAM) Court Competition. From 2011 to 2024, Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) won several Moot Court Competitions including the Oxford Price Media Law Moot (2014, 2015), Philip C. Jessup Indian Rounds (2015 & 2022), Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot World Rounds (2015) and Global Anti-trust Institute Moot, Washington D.C. (2018). In 2022 and 2023 the JGLS teams also won the IBA-ICC India National Rounds; they were runner-up in 2024. Further underlining JGLS’s reputation as a strong competitor in worldwide moot court competitions, Moot Court Society regularly excelled in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, earning an Honourable Mention for the Eric Bergsten Award in 2024 as well as at Willem C. Vis East Moot 2024, reaching the position of top 16 teams and earning Runners-up best speaker award.
About JGLS-IIAC INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION MOOT COMPETITION (IAMC) 2024
We are delighted to announce the JGLS-IIAC INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION MOOT COMPETITION (IAMC) 2024, organised by the Moot court Society of O.P Jindal Global Lw School and India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC). The competition is scheduled to take place in offline format from 25th– 27th October 2024. The competition will host teams from all across India, chosen based on the experience and accomplishments of the universities. The objective of the competition is to instill advocacy and arbitration in law students from across the globe, set to practice law.
About INDIA INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE (IIAC)
Established under the India International Arbitration Centre Act, a bill passed by the Indian Parliament, the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC). This statute is meant to establish an autonomous and independent government for institutional arbitration. Declared to be an institution of national significance is IIAC. The global view of doing business in India and the state of the Indian economy depend much on the dispute resolution mechanisms now in place. In this regard, the IIAC seeks to inspire confidence among parties—both domestic and foreign—by offering a neutral dispute resolution forum for the seamless arbitral procedure to resolve commercial conflicts.
A group of distinguished individuals with significant institutional arbitration knowledge—both domestic and international—have oversee the IIAC. Former Supreme Court of India judge is the Chairperson. By enabling a fast and effective dispute settlement system, the IIAC has been established up with an overarching aim of promoting and expanding India as a major arbitration hub.
About Drew & Napier – Knowledge Partner
Among Singapore’s biggest law firms, Drew & Napier LLC has given discriminating clients outstanding legal advice and representation since 1889. Celebrated as a world class legal company in Singapore, its work is highly regarded globally in the highest echelons of government and business. When the stakes are high and the problems are complicated, the Senior Counsel and lawyers of Drew & Napier are the first choice. Their peers and clients regularly confirm that the lawyers rank highest in their particular practice areas. Renowned in the Asia Pacific area as a top-notch practice is the firm’s International Arbitration Practice. Leading journals repeatedly rank it as among the best arbitration techniques used worldwide. The Global Arbitration Review has ranked them among the top 100 practices worldwide since 2010. Likewise, for more than 10 years, its Dispute Resolution approach has continuously been ranked as unmatched in renowned international journals. Drew & Napier also has market leading practices in Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Tax and Telecommunications, Media & Technology, Intellectual Property (Patents and trademarks), and pre-eminent in Competition & Antitrust, Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring.
About SCC Online – Digital Knowledge Partner
Legal experts, academics, and students all throughout India make extensive use of SCC Online, a complete legal research tool. Eastern Book Company started it and provides access to a large body of legal materials including statutes, case law, rules, and legal publications. The platform is especially well-known for its painstakingly arranged and indexed collection of rulings from the Supreme Court of India, High Courts, and many tribunals. SCC Online’s user-friendly interface is one of its main assets since it lets users look for pertinent case law and legal papers fast by means of advanced search options. Additionally included on the platform is a tool called “TruePrint,” which offers a genuine rendition of rulings as they show up in the print version of Supreme Court Cases (SCC), a top law report in India. Apart from Indian legal materials, SCC Online offers access to global legal materials including rulings of foreign courts and international tribunals, hence augmenting the value of this resource for comparative legal studies. From seasoned professionals to law students, the platform’s thorough coverage and dependable information make it an invaluable tool for everyone engaged in legal research. Regular updates and a dedication to accuracy help SCC Online to remain a reliable and trustworthy source for legal information in India.
About Larsen & Toubro – Sponsorer
Established in 1938, Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) is a top Indian multinational company with a varied range of businesses. Strong presence in infrastructure development including roads, bridges, and airports, the corporation excels in engineering, construction, and manufacture. It also works in defense, heavy engineering, and technological solutions. Large-scale projects including metro systems, power plants, and industrial facilities—which improve urban and rural infrastructure—are notably executed by L&T’s building division.
Including shipbuilding and aerospace, the company’s manufacturing division generates components for many sectors including shipbuilding and aerospace equipment.
Driven by a concentration on research and technical developments, L&T is committed to sustainability, innovation, and quality. Globally present, L&T works in more than thirty countries providing challenging projects and promoting economic progress all around. Its status as a major participant in the worldwide industrial scene has been reinforced by its deliberate investments and dedication to excellence.
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DAY 1 – INAUGURAL CEREMONY
After a warm welcome was given to the teams and they were checked into their hotel rooms, a brief overview of the event was provided to the participants. After that each team were assigned to there respective sides that they would be acting as in the preliminary rounds.
Prelims rounds begins tomorrow at 10:00 am, and the following teams will be against each other to win this esteemed competition.
| West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences |
| National Law University, Jodhpur |
| National University of Advanced Legal Studies |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab |
| Symbiosis Law School, Noida |
| National Law School of India University, Bangalore |
| National Law Institute University, Bhopal |
| Symbiosis Law School, Pune |
| Government Law college, Mumbai |
| Lloyd Law College |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University |
| Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur |
| Kailali Multiple Campus |
| ILS Law College |
| University of Law and Legal Studies |
| Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad |
| Mar Gregorios College of Law, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Tamil Nadu National Law University |
| Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth |
| Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai |
| Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies |
| Law Centre- 2, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi |
| O.P Jindal Global University |
| UPES School of Law, Dehradun |
We wish all the competing teams best wishes for the prelims rounds.
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DAY 2 – PRELIMINARY ROUNDS
Preliminary Rounds 1
As the sides were allocated on the first day and teams settled in, anticipation filled the air. Preliminary Round 1 on Day 2 marked the official start of the competition, with each team bringing their absolute best to the table. The atmosphere was charged with energy, as participants demonstrated impressive knowledge, carefully crafted arguments, and strategic thinking in their bids to advance.
The judges, equally invested, scrutinized each round with both rigor and genuine interest, engaging fully with the intricate points raised. Every argument was challenged, every rebuttal weighed carefully, as teams competed with a level of passion that set a high bar for the rest of the tournament. The skill and finesse on display left a lasting impression on both judges and the audience, signalling a thrilling series of rounds to come. This fierce display of intellect and drive promised an exhilarating journey ahead, with each team determined to secure a place in the competition’s next stage.
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Preliminary Round 2
Shortly after Round 1 ended, Preliminary Round 2 started with hardly a stop for competitors and judges both to reorganize. As the teams descended into the fray from still riding the adrenaline from the first round, the enthusiasm and competitive spirit were evident. The teams’ and the judges’ relentless passion and keen attention to detail created a charged environment.
Every team’s degree of adaptation tested in this round. Teams had to pivot easily when new arguments surfaced and fresh ideas entered the picture to show not only their expertise but also their quick thinking. As each team faced a fresh set of opponents, judges watched intently, seeking consistency in presentation, strategic flexibility, and the tenacity of every squad.
As each team built on past performance and tackled the particular difficulties presented by new rivals, this round really tested their continuity and teamwork. The uniformity in quality across all the teams made a big impact and raised anticipation for the next rounds.
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Run-Off rounds
To add a unique twist and heighten the excitement of the competition, run-off rounds were introduced, giving teams a valuable second chance to advance. While the top four teams from the preliminary rounds directly qualified for the quarterfinals, the next eight teams based on their preliminary scores entered the run-off rounds. From these, the top four teams secured a place in the quarterfinals.
These rounds progressed just as smoothly as the preliminaries, maintaining a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. For the teams that didn’t make it through, it became an opportunity to explore and enjoy the vibrant and expansive campus of O.P. Jindal Global University, adding a memorable experience to their journey in the competition.
The teams to qualify for quarter finals were:-
- IAM 09- West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences
- IAM 02- National Law University, Jodhpur
- IAM 03- National University of Advanced Legal Studies
- IAM 12- Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab
- IAM 14- Symbiosis Law School, Noida
- IAM 21- National Law School of India University, Bangalore
- IAM 01- National Law Institute University, Bhopal
- IAM 06- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
These results marked the end of Day 2. Day 3 would begin with Quarter-finals, Semi-Finals and Finals.
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Day 3 – Quarter finals, Semi Finals & Finals
Quarter Finals:-
On the final day of the competition, excitement and anticipation filled the air, with high energy radiating across the university. The quarterfinal rounds commenced around 10:30 a.m., and the atmosphere was electric as teams, spectators, and organizers alike eagerly awaited the next stage. Each team gave their all, demonstrating exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork, making each round a thrill to watch. The competition progressed smoothly, with every match marked by intense focus and a drive to advance. By the time the clock struck noon, the much-anticipated announcement of the semi-finalists was made, bringing another wave of enthusiasm as teams celebrated and prepared for the next challenge in their journey.
These are the Semi finalists:-
- IAM 12 – Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab.
- IAM 09 – West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences.
- IAM 21- National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
- IAM 01- National Law Institute University, Bhopal.
| Semi Final Rounds – Fixtures | |||
| Rooms | Claimant | Respondent | |
| Court Room 1 | Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab | West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences | |
| Court Room 2 | National Law School of India University, Bangalore | National Law Institute University, Bhopal | |
Semi-Finals
The semi-final rounds were conducted with great finesse and intensity, making them a highlight of the competition. Both Courtroom 1 and Courtroom 2 buzzed with excitement as teams engaged in spirited arguments, heated debates, and pointed rebuttals. Spectators and supporters filled the rooms, captivated by the tension and the level of advocacy on display.
In both courtrooms, the judges raised the bar with their rigorous questioning, probing deeper into each argument and expecting responses that matched the high stakes of the semi-finals. Teams had to think quickly on their feet, backing their claims with sound reasoning and displaying a mastery of the law to meet the elevated expectations of the judges. The rounds were a true testament to the participants’ dedication and skill, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the final verdicts and the announcement of the finalists.
Once the exhaustive semi-final rounds ended all the teams were happy yet anxious with there performance. Undoubtedly, these rounds have provided them with a lot of experience and allowed to exhibit that talent.
Soon after the results were announced and these teams were chosen to go ahead for the Final round of this moot competition.
- IAM 12 – Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab.
- IAM 21- National Law School of India University, Bangalore.
| FINALS FIXTURE | ||
| Claimant | Respondent | |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab | National Law School of India University, Bangalore | |
Finals
The final round of the competition unfolded in the university auditorium, a grand venue filled with an eager audience composed of other competing teams, university students, esteemed guests, and distinguished judges. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the two finalist teams took their places, ready to present their arguments in what promised to be a display of exceptional skill and insight.
Both teams came thoroughly prepared, delivering arguments that were meticulously structured, comprehensive, and crafted to address the complexities of the issues at hand. The speakers were not only articulate but compelling, each captivating the audience and holding the judges’ full attention with their clarity and passion. Their persuasive delivery and confident demeanour demonstrated their dedication, as well as the hours of preparation behind each argument.
The judges, each with a wealth of experience, posed insightful, probing questions that delved into every nuanced point raised by the participants. Their questioning was rigorous, with each judge dissecting the arguments presented and paying close attention to the exact words and phrasing used by the speakers. This meticulous scrutiny heightened the stakes, challenging the participants to think critically and defend their positions with precision.
As the debate progressed, the audience was on the edge of their seats, drawn in by the intense back-and-forth between the teams and the judges. The final rounds became not just a test of legal knowledge but a powerful demonstration of advocacy, intellectual agility, and resilience under pressure. The competition concluded with an air of admiration and respect for both teams, leaving everyone in attendance inspired by the remarkable display of talent, hard work, and dedication shown by the finalists.
The results of the competition were announced in the valedictory ceremony.
Valedictory ceremony
The Valedictory Ceremony of the JGLS-IIAC International Arbitration Moot Competition (IAMC) 2024 was a prestigious conclusion to the event, bringing together an esteemed gathering of final-round judges, distinguished guests, faculty coordinators, and participants. Held in the grand auditorium, the ceremony celebrated the competition’s success in advancing legal advocacy and arbitration skills.
Following introductory remarks by the Moot Court Society faculty coordinators, the ceremony began with a formal recognition of the judges who played a pivotal role in the final rounds. Their expertise and thoughtful engagement throughout the competition enriched the experience for all participants, providing invaluable insights into the intricacies of arbitration.
In a heartfelt tribute, special homage was extended to the sponsors and partners who made the competition possible. Drew & Napier LLC, the Knowledge Partner, was acknowledged for its commitment to supporting legal education and for sharing its expertise in international arbitration, a practice in which the firm holds a distinguished global reputation. SCC Online, as the Digital Knowledge Partner, was recognized for its contribution to enhancing legal research and providing participants with access to a vast repository of legal resources. Moreover, SCC Online and EBC were thanked for providing books to the winners mentioned below and well as an year of free SCC Online subscription to the winners of the competition. A special thanks was also given to Ms. Bhumika Indulia for providing the SCC partnership. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the primary sponsor, was lauded for its dedication to supporting academic excellence and the development of future leaders in law. The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the winning teams, who were celebrated for their hard work, talent, and dedication. The gathering stood as a testament to the IAMC’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, leaving participants inspired and better equipped to pursue their futures in law and arbitration.
Here are the results:-
Winners – Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab
Runners Up– National Law School of India University, Bangalore
Best Memorial (Claimant)– Symbiosis Law School, Noida
Best Memorial (respondent)– West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences
Best Speaker- Kavya Mittal (Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Punjab)
A special thanks was extended to the judges of the finals, Hon’ble Ms. Justice (Retd.) Jaishree Thakur (Punjab & Haryana High Court), Hon’ble Ms. Justice (Retd.) Asha Menon (Delhi High Court), Mr. Abhinav Bhushan, Director (Foreign Law) Drew & Napier, Ms. Gitanjali Saraf (Senior Partner, Saraf & Partners) Mr. Shashank Garg, Advocate.
Furthermore, appreciation was also extended to Hon’ble Justice Hemant Gupta Chairperson (Former Judge of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India), Dr. Ajay Sahai (Director General & CEO Federation of Indian Export Organisations) (FIEO) Anant Vijay Palli (Senior Advocate), Supreme Court of India Ganesh Chandru (Advocate & Arbitrator Partner, Dua Associates), Vinay Kumar Sanduja (Registrar, IIAC) and Karan Kanwal (Deputy Registrar, IIAC). A special acknowledgment was extended to Ms. Bhumika Indulia for her instrumental role in securing the partnership with SCC Online and for her presence at the valedictory ceremony, which added to the occasion’s prestige.
Appreciation was also extended to the MCS faculty board (Prof. Anjali Chawla director, JGLS – MCS, Prof. Shashank Maheshwari assistant director, JGLS – MCS Prof. Apoorv Gupta Faculty Coordinator, MCS) and the MCS Student Board (Nalin Arora convenor, MCS, Jianna Bajaj co – convenor, MCS, Akshar Jindal Co – convenor, MCS, Abhinandan Adhikari, Akshath Indusekhar, Arya Jhawar, Aryan Tulsyan, Dhruv Madan, Ishika Jain, Nischay Khurana, Pranav Choudhury, Samarth Panghal, Shubh Jaiswal.
*This report has been prepared by Ishan Kapoor, SCC Online/EBC Student Ambassador.