GD Goenka University’s School of Law organized the 3rd GD Goenka Global Antitrust and Competition Law Moot Court Competition 2018 from 23rd – 25th March 2018. School of Law, G.D Goenka University has had the privilege to host several legal luminaries of high profile in the prior moot court competitions. The moot proposition drafted for this moot court competition was based on an issue revolving around Competition Law, which is an upcoming arena in the field of law.

School of Law, GD Goenka University, Law Moot Court Competition 2018

The competition was inaugurated on 23rd March 2018. The evening began with the lighting of the lamps by Mr. John Handoll, [National Practice Head (Competition Law) Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.]; Mr. Matthew Slone [Director, Global Litigation Services- United Lex]; Mr. Anirudh Wadhwa [Partner, Wadhwa Law Chambers] and Mr. Amar Kumar Sundaram [National Director (Legal) Ernst & Young Service Pvt. Ltd.]. Prof. (Dr.) Shrihari [Vice- chancellor, GD Goenka University] felicitated the dignitaries and Prof.(Dr). S. Shanta Kumar [Dean, Academics and Dean, School of Law] delivered the welcome address to the participating teams and wished them luck.  Mr. Nipun Goenka, Managing Director, GD Goenka University, Deans of all the Schools of GD Goenka University and revered members of the faculty were present for the occasion. Mr. Kuldeep Kumar (Joint Director, Law CCI); Mr. Aditya Wadhwa (Partner, Wadhwa Law Chambers), Mr. Abir Roy (Advocate, Seetha Raman Associates & Advocates); Mr. Subash Bhat (Senior Corporate Counsel) and Ms. Babita Yadav (social activist) were also present for the occasion.

The guests emphasized the importance of Competition Law, both, in foreign countries and in India and how we need to work more in this arena of law. They urged the budding lawyers to step up and choose this challenging field that would definitely yield greater results. They spoke about the challenges faced by the practitioners in this field, and equally, about the brighter side. They also shared that there was very less knowledge and awareness regarding both Anti-trust and Competition Laws, but now it is gradually evolving.

School of Law, GD Goenka University organizes Law Moot Court Competition 2018

A total of 24 teams from all around the nation registered themselves to be a part of this one of its kind competition. Preliminary round and quarterfinal rounds were successfully completed on 24th March 2018. Semi-finals and final rounds were concluded on 25th March 2018 which was followed by the Valedictory Ceremony. Dr. Lalit Bhasin [President, Bar Association of India, Society of Indian Law Firms] was the chief guest of the Valedictory ceremony. Eminent dignitaries like Dr. Subir Bikas Mitra [Executive Director (Law & HR) GAIL (India) Ltd.; Mr. Ganesh Chandru [Executive Partner, Laxmi Kumaran & Sridharan Attorneys] and Mr. Aditya Wadhwa (Partner, Wadhwa Law Chambers) had graced the occasion with their valuable presence and mentioned how each team had given their best and how they were surprised at the level of research the students had done.

Prof.(Dr.) S. Shanta Kumar (Dean, Academics & School of Law) congratulated each and every participant on successful completion of the moot court competition. Dr. Lalit Bhasin, in his presidential address, said: “each participant is a winner as they were the chosen one to represent their universities in this competition”. He also added that bookish knowledge of the law is not enough for lawyers, the practical learning through these moot courts are very essential.

The results were announced at the Valedictory Ceremony. Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai won the prestigious moot court competition. Law Centre II, University of Delhi were awarded the runners-up award. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs.100000 and Rs.50000 respectively. The Best Speaker Male was awarded to Mr. Madhav Nakra & the Best Speaker Female was awarded to Ms. Niraimathi. N and they were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 20000 each. The award for Best Memorial was given to NLU, Odisha and they were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10000.

The esteemed guests appreciated the commendable job done by the host institution not just for its efforts but also for its initiative to host such a competition. Prof. Anil Dawra, (Proctor, GD Goenka University) had given his vote of thanks, his sincere gratitude, and heartfelt wishes to each and every one who made this competition better and bigger.