1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025

Moot Court Committee, Faculty of Law, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat.

SRM University Delhi-NCR

Date:

21st & 22nd February, 2025 (Online Preliminary Rounds)

22nd & 23rd March,2025 (On Campus Advance Rounds)

The 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition 2025, organized by the Moot Court Committee, Faculty of Law, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, marked a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to promoting legal education and advocacy. The competition was designed to provide aspiring legal professionals with a platform to hone their argumentative, analytical, and research skills while engaging with complex legal issues at the intersection of Competition Law, Intellectual Property Rights, and Artificial Intelligence.

Group picture of Organizing team with Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal

The event is organised in collaboration with SCC Online as the Knowledge Partner and SCC Times as the exclusive Media Partner, reinforcing the competition’s academic rigor and national prominence.

The event was structured to test the participants research, advocacy, and analytical skills. The competition featured:

  • Preliminary Rounds conducted online on 22nd & 23rd March, 2025

  • Advanced Rounds (Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Finals) scheduled to be held offline at SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, on 22nd & 23rd March 2025

With 28 teams from top National Law Universities, Central universities, State Universities & private law schools across India, the competition successfully provided a rigorous and engaging experience for all participants.

DAY 1: 21ST FEBRUARY, 2025

Official flyer of the Inaugural Ceremony

INAUGURAL CEREMNONY (2 PM – 3:30 PM)

The inaugural ceremony of the 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition 2025 was held on 21st February 2025 at 2:00 PM, graced by an esteemed panel of legal luminaries. The presence of Hon’ble Justice Rajiv Sharma, former Acting Chief Justice of Uttarakhand & Punjab and Haryana High Courts, and Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor of Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, added prestige to the event.

The university leadership, including our Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal and Revered Registrar Prof. (Dr.) V. Samuel Raj, welcomed the participants and dignitaries. Respected Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, Dean of the Faculty of Law, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the significance of the competition in providing students with practical exposure to contemporary legal challenges.

Welcome Address by Respected Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, Dean of the Faculty of Law

Presidential Address by Vice-Chancellor

Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal delivered the Presidential Address, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence in legal education. He stressed the importance of such competitions in shaping the next generation of legal professionals and their ability to adapt to evolving legal landscapes.

Presidential Address by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal

Guest of Honour Address

The Guest of Honour, Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, explored the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intellectual Property (IP), and Competition Law. He referred to these fields as “strange travelers” in human development, raising complex questions about ownership, rights, and ethics. He discussed the evolving challenges posed by AI in redefining creativity and authorship, necessitating a re-examination of regulatory structures worldwide. Key issues highlighted included whether AI-generated works could be protected under IP laws, who owns the rights to such works, and how to balance innovation with fair compensation for human creators. He emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach involving policymakers, tech developers, legal experts, and ethicists to harmonize AI advancements with existing IP frameworks.

Address by Guest of Honour Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan

Chief Guest Address

In his keynote address, Hon’ble Justice Rajiv Sharma provided insights into the history and development of copyright law, particularly focusing on its application to AI-generated works. He elaborated on how different jurisdictions approach copyright protection for computer-created content, noting that India and the UK recognize AI-generated works while the US and Australia require human authorship. Justice Sharma also touched upon trademarks, patents, and the challenges of balancing AI advancements with existing intellectual property laws. The address emphasized the importance of effective communication and argumentation skills, critical for law students participating in moot courts.

Address by Chief Guest of the day Hon’ble Justice Rajiv Sharma, former Acting Chief Justice of Uttarakhand & Punjab and Haryana High Courts

Dr. Shubham Singh Bagla Faculty Convenor of the Moot Court Committee, delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, organizers, and university administration for their contribution.

Dr. Shubham Singh Bagla Faculty Convenor of the Moot Court Committee, delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks

SPECIALIZED TRAINING SESSION BY SCC ONLINE (12:30 PM- 1:30 PM)

A specialized legal research training session was conducted by SCC Online to equip participants with essential legal research skills for the competition. Mr. Rajesh Raina from SCC Online led the session, demonstrating the effective use of digital legal research tools available on their platform and mobile application. This session was essential in preparing participants for the competition’s problem statement, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Competition Law, and Intellectual Property Rights.

Specialized Training Session by Mr. Rajesh Raina on Behalf of SCC Online

FIXTURE ANNOUNCEMENT AND QUERY SESSION (3:30 PM- 4:00PM)

The fixture announcement was conducted by the moot court committee with the assistance of a C++ algorithm-based software, ensuring a transparent, unbiased, and interference-free allocation of teams. This technological integration underscored the competition’s commitment to fairness and efficiency. A Query Session was held at 3:30 PM, providing teams with an opportunity to clarify procedural and substantive queries regarding the competition

Declaration of fixture for Preliminary rounds by organising team

DAY 2 — 22ND FEBRUARY 2025

JUDGES BRIEFING (10:00 AM TO 11:00 AM)

A Judges Briefing Session was conducted to familiarize the 34 judges with the problem statement and evaluation criteria, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of the competition. The session was led by Ms. Ruhani, student convenor 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025. In his vote of thanks, Dean, Faculty of Law, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, extended heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges for their invaluable contribution. The panel comprised eminent academicians, renowned legal practitioners, policy-makers, and experts from diverse legal domains, whose collective expertise enriched the judging process and upheld the high standards of legal discourse and advocacy. The presence of such distinguished judges ensured a rigorous and enriching experience for all participants.

Panelist Preliminary Round 1 & 2

Judges Briefing for the Judges of Preliminary Rounds by Moot Court Committee

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS (11:30 PM -3:30 PM)

The Preliminary Rounds of the competition were conducted online via Zoom, providing participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their advocacy skills in a virtual setting.

  • Preliminary Round 1: 11:30 AM

  • Preliminary Round 2: 2:30 PM

Each team presented arguments from both sides, with 30 minutes allotted per side, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of their legal knowledge and courtroom presence. The rounds took place in 14 virtual courtrooms, accommodating all 28 participating teams. Based on their performance, the top 8 teams advanced to the Quarter-finals.

Preliminary Rounds Scheduled Via Zoom

DAY 3- 25TH FEBRUARY 2025

RESULT DECLARATION (11:30 AM- 12:00)

The results of the Preliminary Rounds were announced at 11:30 AM, listing the qualified team codes for the Advanced Rounds, scheduled to be held offline on 22nd & 23rd March 2025 at the SRM University Delhi-NCR campus. The Top 8 teams having highest Raw Scores aggregate of the marks obtained in the memorial and the oral round of a team for the preliminary rounds qualified for the Advance Rounds.

Top 8 teams qualified for Quarter Finals

DAY 4 — DRAW OF LOTS FOR QUARTER-FINALISTS & QUERY SESSION

(12:30 PM-1:00 PM)

The draw of lots for the Top 8 quarter-finalist teams was conducted through an online software to ensure an impartial and randomized fixture allocation. The Moot Court Committee facilitated the fixture announcement using a C++ algorithm-based software, reinforcing the competition’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and efficiency. Following the draw of lots, a Query Session was held, providing the qualified teams with an opportunity to seek clarifications on procedural aspects, competition rules, and any remaining queries related to the upcoming Advanced Rounds.

Query Session before Quarter rounds by organising team

DAY 5 — QUARTER-FINALS & SEMI-FINALS

REGISTRATION AND MEMORIAL SUBMISSION (9:00 AM- 10:00 AM)

The day commenced with the registration of the eight qualified teams at 9:00 AM at the registration desk. Participants confirmed their details and submitted hard copies of their memorials as per the competition guidelines. The Moot Court Committee ensured a smooth verification process, maintaining adherence to procedural requirements before proceeding to the next phase

Registration Desk 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025

JUDGES BRIEFING FOR QUARTER-FINAL ROUNDS (10:30 – 11:00 AM)

At 10:30 AM, Judges briefing session was conducted for the Quarter-Final adjudicators, led by Dr. Prateek Deol, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat. The briefing familiarized the judges with the problem statement and evaluation criteria, ensuring a structured and fair assessment of the competition. The Quarter-Final panel comprised distinguished legal professionals, including Adv. Ravi Prakash (AOR, Supreme Court of India), Vipul Singh (AOR, Supreme Court of India), Adv. Satish Padhi (Principal Associate – Dispute Resolution, Khaitan & Co), Adv. Sachin Hitkari (AOR, Supreme Court of India), Adv. Shivam Jasra (AOR, Supreme Court of India), Adv. Shakul Ghatole (Advocate, Supreme Court of India), Dr. Deepa Kharb (Associate Professor, Delhi University), and Ms. Anuja Chaudhury (Senior Associate, Sujata Chaudhri IP Attorneys). Their extensive expertise and experience added great value to the competition, ensuring a rigorous and impartial evaluation process.

Panelist Quarter- Final Round

QUARTER-FINAL ROUNDS (11:00 AM — 12:45 PM)

The Quarter-Final rounds commenced at 11:00 AM across four designated courtrooms, with each room hosting two competing teams. The competition followed a knockout format, with each team presenting arguments from their allotted sides within a 45-minute timeframe per side.

Quarter-Final Rounds

GROUP PHOTOGRAPH WITH QUARTER-FINAL JUDGES (12:45 PM- 1:00 PM)

To honor the presence of the Quarter-Final judges, a group photograph was taken at 12:45 PM, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the competition and their role in ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation process.

Group Photograph with Quarter-Final Judges

ANNOUNCEMENT OF QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS & DRAW OF LOTS FOR

SEMI-FINALS (1:45 PM — 2:00 PM)

The results of the Quarter-Final rounds were officially declared at 1:45 PM, revealing the Top 4 teams that advanced to the Semi-Finals. To uphold transparency, the draw of lots for the Semi-Finals was conducted at 2:00 PM using the chit method, ensuring an unbiased allocation of match-ups.

Announcement of Quarter-Final Results & Memorial Exchange by Organising Committee

JUDGES BRIEFING FOR SEMI-FINAL ROUNDS (2:00 PM- 2:30 PM)

At 3:00 PM, the judges briefing session for the Semi-Finals was conducted by Dr. Prateek Deol, ensuring that the panel was well-acquainted with the problem statement, rules, and evaluation criteria. The Semi-Final panel comprised some of the most esteemed professionals in the legal fraternity, including Ms. Anupam Sanghi (Founder & Managing Partner, Anupam Sanghi & Associates), Mr. Manish Rohilla (AOR, Supreme Court of India), Adv. Aditya Prakash Rao (AOR, Supreme Court of India), Adv. Aditya Singh Jakhar (AOR, Supreme Court of India), Prof. (Dr.) Komal Audichya (Professor of Law & Dean, School of Law, Mody University of Science and Technology), and Dr. Navneet Sharma (Advisor, Governance & Policy, Helicon Consulting). Their collective knowledge and experience in litigation, corporate law, academia, and governance contributed to a well-rounded assessment of the competing teams.

Panelist Semi-Final Round

Judges Briefing for Semi-Final Round

SEMI-FINAL ROUNDS (2:30 PM — 4:00 PM)

The Semi-Final rounds commenced at 2:30 PM, featuring the Top 4 teams competing in a knockout round of 90 minutes. The rounds tested participants’ abilities to deliver persuasive legal arguments, counter submissions, and adeptly navigate judicial interventions. Judges meticulously assessed teams on research, articulation, courtroom demeanor, and logical reasoning.

Semi-Final Round

GROUP PHOTOGRAPH WITH SEMI-FINAL JUDGES (4:30 PM- 4:45 PM)

A group photograph with the Semi-Final judges was taken at 4:30 PM, expressing gratitude for their esteemed presence and invaluable contributions to the competition.

Group Photograph with Semi-Final Judges

ANNOUNCEMENT OF SEMI-FINAL RESULTS & DRAW OF LOTS FOR FINAL

ROUND (5:00 PM- 5:30 PM)

The results of the Semi-Final rounds were officially declared at 5:00 PM by Respected Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, Dean, Faculty of Law, and Chairperson of the Moot Court Committee. The Top 2 teams were announced as finalists, setting the stage for the much-anticipated Final Round. To ensure fairness, the draw of lots for the Final Round was conducted, determining the sides that each team would argue in the grand finale.

With the Final Round scheduled for the next day, the competition reached its most exciting phase, building anticipation for the ultimate face-off in the 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition at SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat.

DAY 6 — FINAL ROUND & VALEDICTORY CEREMONY

JUDGES’ BRIEFING FOR THE FINAL ROUND

The final day of the 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025, commenced with the Judges’

Briefing Session from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Dr. Prateek Deol, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, conducted the session, providing the judges with a detailed briefing on the moot problem and evaluation parameters to ensure a uniform and fair adjudication process. The Final Round Bench featured an esteemed panel of legal luminaries, with Hon’ble Justice Rakesh Garg, Former Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, presiding as the Chief Guest. The bench also included Respected Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala (Senior Advocate and President, International Council of Jurists), Respected Dr. K.N. Chaturvedi (Former Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India), Respected Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Agarwal (Pro Chancellor, Jagannath University, Jaipur), and Respected Mr. Pramod Kumar Singh (Former Secretary, Competition Commission of India and Senior Advisor, Axiom5 Law Chambers), who also served as Guests of Honour for the day.

Judges Briefing for Final Round

THE FINAL ROUND OF THE COMPETITION

At 11:00 AM, the much-anticipated Final Round began, featuring an intense courtroom battle between SN-1 (O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat) and SN-5 (University Institute of Legal Studies, Punjab University). Both teams demonstrated exceptional advocacy, persuasive arguments, and a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved in the moot problem. The Final Round lasted for two hours, during which the participants engaged in an exhaustive exchange of arguments, meticulous rebuttals, and in-depth legal analysis. The distinguished panel posed thought-provoking questions, testing the competitors on their legal reasoning, research skills, and ability to maintain composure under pressure. The session was a true testament to the spirit of mooting, fostering excellence in advocacy and legal debate.

Hon’ble bench for the for Final Round

WELCOME ADDRESS

Following the gripping Final Round, the Valedictory Ceremony commenced at 1:00 PM. Respected Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, Dean, Faculty of Law, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, delivered the Welcome Address, expressing gratitude to the esteemed panel, participants, and organizing team. He emphasized the significance of mooting in shaping a law student’s career and acknowledged the exceptional efforts of the competing teams.

Welcome Address by Respected Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, Dean Faculty of Law

PRESENTATION OF THE MOOT REPORT

At 1:15 PM, Dr. Shubham Singh Bagla, Faculty Convenor, Moot Court Committee, presented the official report of the 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025. His address highlighted the competition’s objectives, key moments, and the rigorous academic engagement witnessed throughout the rounds. The report provided a comprehensive overview of the competition’s success in fostering legal research and advocacy skills.

Dr. Shubham Singh Bagla Faculty Convenor of the Moot Court Committee, presented moot report

FELICITATIONS OF FINAL ROUND JUDGES

Felicitation of esteemed panelist for final by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal

In recognition of their invaluable contribution to the competition, the judges of the Final Round were felicitated at 1:20 PM. Their guidance, expertise, and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping the participants’ learning experience and ensuring a fair and transparent adjudication process.

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

At 1:30 PM, Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit Singh Jaswal, Vice-Chancellor, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, delivered the Presidential Address. He commended the Moot Court Committee and the organizing team for executing a successful competition. He also emphasized the university’s commitment to nurturing legal education and mooting culture, encouraging students to engage in legal research, advocacy, and courtroom skills.

Presidential Address by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal

ADDRESS BY GUESTS OF HONOUR

At 1:45 PM, the Guests of Honour Respected Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, Respected Dr. K.N. Chaturvedi, Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Agarwal, and Respected Mr. Pramod Kumar Singh shared their insights on the role of mooting in legal education, the evolving landscape of the legal profession, and the importance of research-oriented advocacy. Their words served as motivation for budding legal professionals, inspiring them to uphold the highest standards of legal practice.

Address By Guests of Honour

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HON’BLE CHIEF GUEST

The Keynote Address was delivered by Hon’ble Justice Rakesh Garg, Former Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, who lauded the participants for their outstanding performances and encouraged them to continue honing their advocacy skills. His speech underscored the importance of legal research, courtroom decorum, and ethical advocacy in the legal profession.

Address by Hon’ble Justice Rakesh Garg, Former Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court,

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS & PRIZE DISTRIBUTION

At the heart of the Valedictory Ceremony was the much-awaited announcement of results and prize distribution. The winners were as follows:

Group picture of winners of 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025

The winners were felicitated by the esteemed panel, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and exemplary performance. The Faculty Convenors and Student Convenors were also recognized for their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of the competition.

Felicitation of Faculty Convenor, Co-Convenor and Student Convenors of the event

CONCLUDING REMARKS & VOTE OF THANKS

The Valedictory Ceremony concluded with Ms. Rufi Khan, Faculty Co-Convenor, Moot Court Committee, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, delivering the Vote of Thanks at 2:30 PM. She extended her gratitude to the university administration, judges, faculty members, participants, sponsors, and organizing committee for their invaluable contributions.

NATIONAL ANTHEM & GROUP PHOTOGRAPH

Following the Vote of Thanks, the event culminated with the National Anthem, symbolizing unity and patriotism. A group photograph was taken, featuring the Organizing Committee alongside the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, capturing the memories of this prestigious event.

Group picture of organizing committee 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025

The 1st SRMUH Moot Court Competition, 2025, proved to be a remarkable success, fostering intellectual engagement, legal research, and advocacy among law students from across India. The event not only provided participants with a platform to enhance their advocacy skills but also reinforced SRM University’s commitment to excellence in legal education. The collaboration with SCC Online and SCC Times played a crucial role in integrating modern legal research techniques with traditional mooting practices.

The competition was spearheaded by Dr. Shubham Singh Bagla, Faculty Convenor of the Moot Court Committee, Ms. Rufi Khan, Faculty Co-Convenor & Ms. Ruhani, Mr. Sarthak and Mr. Shevon Abraham Samuel, Student Convenors Moot Court Committee. The dedicated efforts of the Organizing Team Members ensured the smooth execution of the event, reflecting their commitment and hard work in making the competition a success. Moving forward, the Moot Court Committee remains committed to elevating the competition, ensuring it continues to be a beacon of legal excellence, research, and advocacy in future editions.

Report prepared by Moot Court Committee Faculty of Law, SRMUH

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