The world’s largest and most prestigious moot court competition has once again arrived in India, bringing together the finest legal minds from across the nation. The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2025 – Indian Rounds, hosted at Amity Law School, Noida, is more than just a competition—it is a rigorous test of legal acumen, advocacy, and strategic argumentation, where students simulate proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
This year’s problem delves into the theme of maritime rights, environmental concerns, state jurisdiction and human rights, a topic of critical contemporary relevance that challenges participants to engage in high-level legal reasoning, persuasive oratory, and thorough research. As teams go head-to-head in courtrooms, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and intellectual fervor, setting the stage for an exhilarating four days of mooting excellence.
Day 1 (12th February 2025): Preliminary Rounds
Day 2 (13th February 2025): Preliminary Rounds
Day 3 (14th February 2025): Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and exchange of memorials.
Day 4 (15th February 2025): Finals and Valedictory Ceremony
Stay tuned for live updates of the event!
Day 1: The Curtain Rises – Preliminary Rounds Begin
We are honored to witness the commencement of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2025 – Indian Rounds.
As the first day unfolds, we anticipate an environment of academic excellence, insightful discourse, and the relentless pursuit of legal mastery—hallmarks of the Jessup experience.
The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
The dedicated individuals and their collective strengths that contribute to the seamless planning, coordination, and execution of the Jessup 2025 India Qualifying Rounds.
8:45 hours– The judges were accompanied by Student Volunteers
9:30 hours– The first preliminary round of the coveted Philip C. Jessup Moot Court Competition, 2025 has officially started.
The law barks at all but bites only the poor, the powerless, the illiterate, the ignorant
– Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
10:30 hours– The participants’ arguments on legal issues are truly remarkable! The dedication and meticulous preparation behind crafting these arguments deserve immense appreciation.
At the best, man is noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice, he is the worst
-Aristotle
10:45 hours- Following a series of intense arguments, the rebuttal session has commenced.
11:00 hours- Preliminary Round 1 has concluded! The first round has set the bar high, promising equally exciting rounds ahead!
12:00 hours- The students displayed an exceptional presence in the first round, demonstrating remarkable oratory and advocacy skills. The judges of Preliminary Round 1 engaged with the speakers, challenging them on various points of their arguments. As the competition progresses, we now look forward to an equally exhilarating second round, which is officially underway!
12:20 hours- Preliminary Round 2, consisting of 15 matches, marks the second of six rounds. The participants are presenting their strongest arguments.
13:15 hours- The participants are striving to structure their arguments effectively in support of their primary stance. As the round nears its conclusion, the judges are actively engaging with them, posing thought-provoking questions. Meanwhile, the judges in each courtroom are reviewing the memorials, challenging the participants with queries that they are skillfully addressing.
13:30 hours- The second Preliminary Round has concluded. The judges commended the participants for their extensive research and profound understanding of the subject.
15:00 hours- Preliminary Round 3 of the prestigious Philip C. Jessup Moot Court India Qualifying Rounds is now underway. With three thrilling rounds completed, we have reached the halfway mark of this exciting stage of the competition.
15:30 hours- The teams have begun presenting their arguments before the esteemed judges. In one instance, a judge posed a question, to which the speaker responded with a detailed explanation.
16:15 hours- The Rebuttals and Sur-Rebuttals have concluded. The Court is now adjourned, and the judges are providing valuable feedback to the teams.
16:30 hours- Both teams have completed their arguments, and the judges are now finalizing the score sheets. With that, the third round has come to an end. This is followed by the felicitation of the judges.
17:00 hours- It was an electrifying day filled with intense debates, counterarguments, rebuttals, and sur-rebuttals. Every participant gave their all in the competition. We look forward to seeing you on Day 2 of the Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition, 2025 India Qualifiers.
Day 2: Strategies Unfold – The Competition Heats Up
Your enthusiasm and excitement have truly inspired us in organizing this prestigious moot court competition. Our goal is to offer law students a platform to come together and showcase their skills. It’s the second day, and teams are eagerly anticipating their rounds today. We wish all participants the best and hope they perform at their highest potential.
Law must be stable, but it must not stand still.
– Roscoe Pound
9:00 hours- Day 2 starts with briefing of judges for Preliminary Round 4
9:30 hours- Preliminary Round 4 has officially commenced. As a new day unfolds, we extend a warm welcome to the teams participating in this round. With appreciation and anticipation, we begin today’s proceedings.
09:55 hours- As the rounds continue, the tension in the atmosphere intensifies with each passing moment. We wish success to the team that performs the best.
10:00 hours- The arguments and cross-questioning are truly captivating! The intensity of the discussions on various issues is exhilarating to witness!
The strongest is never strong enough to be always the master unless he transforms strength into right and obedience into duty.
-Jean-Jacques Rousseau
10:30 hours- Following the insightful arguments presented by both teams, this round has become even more thrilling. We now proceed to the rebuttal and sur-rebuttal session.
10:45 hours- The exchange of arguments and counter-arguments by the participants has fostered a highly academic atmosphere. As the participants exit the courtroom, the judges are preparing their scoring sheets. We now move on to the next mooting round.
11:00 hours- Preliminary Round 4 has concluded! It was an engaging exchange of arguments from both sides.
12:00 hours– We’ve seen incredibly dedicated participants battle it out with great intensity. The competition has been fierce, and as we prepare for the upcoming rounds, the excitement continues to build. The 4th preliminary round was just the beginning of an exhilarating contest, setting the stage for an engaging day ahead. Now, we move forward with the 5th Preliminary Round of the competition!
12:30 hours– The 5th Preliminary Round holds even greater promise, as teams showcase their utmost effort in this fiercely competitive stage.
12:45 hours– Participants’ dedication is evident in their presentations. Their strong arguments, backed by relevant laws and official reports, truly highlight their research skills.
13:15 hours– The competition is in full swing, with participants showcasing their competitive spirit as they vie for the top positions. The session is only set to become even more captivating.
13:30 hours– The participants received insightful guidance from the distinguished Judges of their respective courtrooms, bringing an hour of intellectual exchange and analytical discussions to a close. Round 5 of the competition concludes, marking one of the most enriching moments of the day. The teams came thoroughly prepared, ensuring no weaknesses for their opponents to capitalize on.
15:00 hours – The tension in the air is almost tangible as the competition advances into Preliminary Round 6 . The finest teams, now stand on the precipice of another intellectual clash, their arguments sharpened, their nerves steady. Here, in the midst of legal combat, preparation is no longer a safeguard but a weapon, and adaptability the key to survival.
Stress is inevitable, but so is progress. Every argument, every counter, every moment in court shapes not just the competition but the advocates themselves.
15:30 hours – The teams have presented well-researched and carefully structured arguments, demonstrating both preparation and clarity. The competition remains as engaging as ever, with each round bringing new challenges and compelling exchanges. This one is proving to be just as riveting as the last.
16:00 hours – The exchange between the judges and the orators has been both insightful and engaging, reflecting the depth of preparation each team has put into their arguments. The participants have demonstrated clarity, composure, and keen legal reasoning, making this round a compelling display of advocacy at its finest.
16:30 hours – With Preliminary Round 6 now concluded, participants leave with valuable takeaways for future moot court competitions. The judges’ insightful feedback has provided them with a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for refinement—an essential part of the learning process that defines the Jessup experience.
16:45 hours- The results for the Quarterfinal rounds have been declared. The following teams have qualified for the Quarter – final rounds. Following no specific order, the teams are listed below:
Providing dedicated felicitation and support to the esteemed judges who evaluated the preliminary rounds today, ensuring a seamless adjudication process.
With great pleasure, we announce the conclusion of the second day of the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition 2025 (Indian Rounds). The participants showcased their arguments impressively before the judges, delivering compelling performances. The rebuttals and surrebuttals were even more captivating to witness. The judges provided insightful and invaluable feedback, further enriching the experience. Now, we eagerly anticipate Day 3, promising even more intense and engaging mooting sessions. Stay tuned, everyone—there’s much more to come!
Day 3 (14th February 2024): The third day is set to showcase a fierce competition of advocacy skills from the participants.
With the remarkable conclusion of the second day, this edition of the competition has undoubtedly raised the bar higher than ever before. The stakes are elevated, and the teams are growing increasingly competitive. With that in mind, we warmly welcome you to the third day of the Philip C. Jessup Moot Court Competition. This round promises to be just as intense and pivotal as the previous ones. So, brace yourselves for the challenges ahead—it’s going to be an exhilarating journey!
09:00 hours– The judges’ orientation for the quarter-finals of the competition is now underway.
09:30 hours– The quarterfinal rounds are now underway, with competitors full of excitement and enthusiasm. We hope they seize this opportunity to showcase their skills to the fullest.
Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.
-Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
10:15 hours– In the courtrooms, the rounds showcased the competing teams’ exceptional precision in reasoning. Throughout the session, the teams displayed remarkable engagement and intensity!
10:45 hours– The counsels presented well-articulated arguments during the rebuttal and sur-rebuttal rounds.
11:00 hours– The quarterfinal round has wrapped up, showcasing yet another exhilarating clash of arguments and fierce competition among the teams.
11:15 hours– Judges felicitation for Quarterfinal rounds.
11:30 hours– The results for the Quarterfinal rounds have been declared. The following teams have qualified to the Semi-final rounds. Following no specific order, the teams are listed below:
14:30 hours- We are entering Day 3 of the 2024 Phillip C. Jessup Moot Court Competition. After some rigorous sessions in the designated courtrooms, we are now set to begin the Semi-Final Round of this year’s Indian rounds.
15:15 hours – An intense atmosphere fills the courtrooms as teams engage the judges with well-structured and insightful arguments. With each exchange, the competition grows more dynamic, pushing participants to think critically and respond with precision.
15:30 hours – The judges are challenging the participants with comprehensive questions, testing not just their arguments but the depth of their research and ability to think on their feet. Preparation is key in moments like these, where every response shapes the team’s standing in the competition.
The law is reason, free from passion.
— Aristotle
16:00 hours – The Semi-Finals have come to a close after an intense and highly engaging mooting session. The competition reached new heights, with teams showcasing exceptional advocacy and strategic argumentation—a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators alike.
16:30 hours – The felicitation ceremony is underway, recognizing the invaluable contribution of the various experts in the field of law to the competition. Their expertise and insightful evaluations have played a crucial role in shaping this round, offering participants a truly enriching mooting experience.
17:00 hours – Day 3 comes to a close after a day filled with thought-provoking discussions and rigorous deliberations. As the competition progresses, each round continues to challenge and refine the advocacy skills of the participants, bringing them one step closer to the final stage.
Day 4 (15th February 2024): A high-stakes advocacy showdown awaits on the fourth day as JESSUP 2025 Moot Court participants put their skills to test.
As the new day unfolds, the radiant sunshine mirrors the aspirations of the finalists in the Indian Rounds of the Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition. As the competition enters its final stage, a sense of excitement and anticipation permeates the Amity University campus, with the entire Amity community closely following the event and supporting the competitors.
You may be disappointed if you fail, but you’re doomed if you don’t try.
-Beverly Sills
BENCH FOR THE FINAL ROUND –
8:30 hours – Arrival of the distinguished Judges for the Final Round.
9:00 hours – The Finals of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court – India Qualifying Rounds 2024 has commenced.
9:15 hours- The Applicant side presented their submissions.
9:45 hours- The Respondent side presented their submissions.
10:30 hours- The final round of The Indian Qualifying Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition 2024 has now concluded. The months of preparation, relentless effort, and countless hours of practice will remain cherished memories for all the participants. Before the results are announced, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the teams who participated with such enthusiasm. After all, taking part is always more important than winning.
11:00 Hours- The highly anticipated Valedictory Ceremony is now set to begin.
Judges Arrival
No man is above the law, and no man is below it.
– Theodore Roosevelt
Dignitaries Gracing the Valedictory Ceremony
Valedictory Ceremony
11:05 hours: As the competition comes to a close, we now turn to hear from our esteemed guests, judges, and hosts. The ceremony commences with the lighting of the lamp and the formal felicitation, marking the beginning of the Valedictory Event.
Welcome address – Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Bandyopadhyay
Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Bandyopadhyay, Chief Advisor to the office of the Founder President of Amity Group of Institutions and Chairman of Amity Law School, gave the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of Moot Court Competitions and the participation by students in such highly competitive environments. He reiterated Amity’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic development of students across departments, so that they may innovate and participate in the global exchange of ideas. He, firstly, thanked the Almighty. Expressing his gratitude further, Prof. (Dr.) Bandyopadhyay thanked the Hon’ble Founder President of Amity Group of Institutions, Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, followed by the Hon’ble Chancellor Sir, Dr. Atul Chauhan, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, and Chairman of Amity Law Schools. He welcomed everyone to the grand mooting spectacle, which lasted over four days. Prof. (Dr.) Bandyopadhyay also welcomed the Guests of Honour: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Hon’ble Ms. Justice Shalinder Kaur, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Saurabh Banerjee. Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Bandyopadhyay thanked all esteemed Guests of Honour for gracing this momentous event.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan extended his congratulations to the winners and commended the selection of maritime law as the subject of this year’s competition, recognizing its significance in contemporary legal discourse. He further emphasized that effective advocacy goes beyond mastering the law—it requires an understanding of the judge as well. As he aptly stated, “Knowing the judge is equally important to knowing the law,” underscoring the importance of adaptability and strategic argumentation in mooting and legal practice.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Saurabh Banerjee addressed the participants with words of encouragement, emphasizing that in a competition of this caliber, the true achievement lies not just in winning but in the commitment to participation and growth. He highlighted that the spirit of mooting extends beyond the results—it is about refining one’s legal acumen, embracing challenges, and learning from every argument presented.
Hon’ble Ms. Justice Shalinder Kaur spoke on India’s progressive education system, encouraging students to fully utilize opportunities like the Jessup Moot Court Competition to refine their legal skills. She also addressed common misconceptions about courtroom proceedings, offering valuable insights into the realities of legal practice. Her remarks served as a reminder that while mooting provides a strong foundation, understanding the nuances of real-world litigation is equally crucial for aspiring advocates.
ILSA Felicitates Amity Law School, Noida and Dr. Bhavna Batra
We also acknowledge the presence of Mr. Aditya Singh, Partner at White & Case and a member of the Board of Directors of ILSA, with us today. Sir handed over the Token of Appreciation on behalf of ILSA to Amity Law School, Noida, for successfully hosting the India Rounds for the 8th consecutive year.
Following this, Mr. Aditya Singh felicitated our long standing National Administrator, Dr. Bhavna Batra ma’am, for her dedicated leadership and invaluable contributions to the success of Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition in India.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both for their unwavering support and commitment to legal excellence.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Indian Rounds marked a significant moment with the release of the Souvenir by Dr. Bhavna Batra (Associate Professor, Amity law school, Noida), National Administrator for India, Philip C. Jessup. More than a collection of memories, it stands as a tribute to the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of all involved.
Capturing the spirit of mooting and legal excellence, the Souvenir reflects the hard work of participants, the mentorship that shaped them, and the institutions that continue to foster advocacy. As we celebrate this journey, may it inspire future generations to uphold the ideals of knowledge, justice, and fair advocacy.
Result Declaration
13:15 hours- With the most awaited moment having arrived, our Faculty Convener Ms. Anumeha Sahai, and our Faculty Co-Convener Mr. Pawan Kumar are going to announce the results. They stand on the dais to declare the results of the Championship Rounds.
Closing Vote of Thank –Prof. (Dr.) Shefali Raizada
The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Shefali Raizada, Director and HOI of Amity Law School, Noida. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, esteemed judges, participants, and organizing members who contributed to the success of the event. She acknowledged the unwavering support of the Amity leadership and faculty in fostering a competitive and intellectually stimulating environment for students. Prof. (Dr.) Raizada extended special thanks to the Guests of Honour for their valuable presence and insights. She concluded by encouraging students to continue striving for excellence in legal education and advocacy.
The tireless efforts and commitment of our dedicated team members, working diligently each day, ensured the events successful completion and honored its illustrious legacy. With this, we, the Blogging Team for the Indian Qualifying Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2025, conclude our journey.
Student Volunteers:
Ankita Kanda, Saanvi Sethi, Aryan Bakshi, Arya Dudi, Avani Bhardwaj, Sagar Sehgal
Photography by:
Asmit Arora, Arash
Under the guidance of:
Ms. Garima Wadhwa
Assistant Professor
Amity Law School,
Amity University,
Uttar Pradesh
