National Moot Court Competition 2026 Wraps Up at Sonepat Law University
The third edition of the National Moot Court Competition-2026, a prestigious event organized by Dr BR Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU) in Sonepat, Haryana, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has successfully concluded. The competition, which spanned three days, culminated in a grand valedictory ceremony, marking an end to rigorous legal debates and academic exchanges among participating law students from across the country.
Event Highlights and Proceedings
The competition commenced on March 13, 2026, with the registration of teams and the submission of memorials in hard copies. The inaugural ceremony set the stage for the event, followed by a draw of lots and an exchange of memorials among the competing teams. Additionally, a Researchers’ Test was conducted to evaluate the research and analytical skills of the participants, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation in legal advocacy.
On the second day, the preliminary rounds I and II took place, where teams presented their arguments before a panel of distinguished judges. Based on their performances, the top teams advanced to the quarterfinal rounds, where the level of advocacy and legal reasoning intensified significantly. The final round was adjudicated by a highly esteemed panel of judges, including Justice OP Shukla and Justice Mini Pushkarna of the Delhi High Court, Justice Pankaj Jain of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Ashok Kumar Jain of the Rajasthan High Court, and Justice Ajay Bhanot of the Allahabad High Court.
Valedictory Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra of the Supreme Court of India, who served as the chief guest, and Justice Mini Pushkarna of the Delhi High Court, who attended as the guest of honour. University Vice-Chancellor Prof Devinder Singh expressed his gratitude to the chief guest and appreciated the participation of various institutions, faculty members, and the Moot Court Society for their contributions to the event's success.
Joginder Singh, Registrar (Law) at the NHRC, commended the university for organizing the competition effectively and highlighted that mooting requires clarity of thought, thorough preparation, and unwavering dedication. Justice Ashok Kumar Jain of the Rajasthan High Court shared insights, noting that moot courts teach young lawyers that advocacy extends beyond mastering legal statutes to understanding morality and responsibility.
Justice Mini Pushkarna of the Delhi High Court emphasized that law is not merely a profession for earning a livelihood but also a means to serve society and ensure justice for those in need. She encouraged young lawyers, particularly women, to remain dedicated, believe in themselves, and never give up in their pursuit of legal excellence.
Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra underscored that while a moot court competition may produce winners, the real value lies in the learning gained through preparation and arguments, which shapes future legal professionals. During the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof Devinder Singh and Registrar Dr Ashutosh Mishra presented mementos to the chief guest and other distinguished guests as a token of appreciation.
Significance and Impact
This competition provided a platform for law students to hone their skills in legal argumentation, research, and advocacy, fostering a deeper understanding of the judicial process. The involvement of high-profile judges and institutions like the NHRC underscores the event's importance in promoting legal education and human rights awareness. Such initiatives are crucial for preparing the next generation of lawyers to navigate complex legal landscapes with integrity and competence.
