The Faculty of Law, GLS University, proudly hosted the 9th edition of the Shri I.M. Nanavati Memorial Moot Court Competition from January 17 to 19, 2025. This prestigious event witnessed participation from teams representing India’s premier law institutions, including National Law Universities.
Addressing the participants, the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Ms. Justice Bela Trivedi, Judge, Supreme Court of India, paid homage to the enduring legacy of Shri I.M. Nanavati and emphasized that moot court competitions are crucial for developing research and advocacy skills while imparting knowledge of court procedures. She highlighted the increasing relevance of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Crimes in the legal landscape, urging young advocates to continuously update their knowledge in these areas. She advised participants to embrace humility, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to justice in a profession that constantly evolves.
Quoting a Sanskrit verse, “Dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ” (Dharma, when destroyed, destroys; Dharma, when protected, protects), she urged the participants to uphold justice and law, which she described as the true religion of humankind.
The Guest of Honour, Hon’ble Mr. Justice N.V. Anjaria, Chief Justice, High Court of Karnataka, advised budding lawyers on the importance of handling judges effectively during trials, maintaining eye contact, using a moderate tone, and responding clearly and confidently to judicial queries. He stressed the significance of integrity, technology adoption, and the practical application of legal principles. “Victory lies not in the trophy but in participation itself,” he remarked.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Devang Nanavati, Vice-President, GLS University, underscored the importance of continuous learning for legal professionals, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of history, literature, and constitutional principles. Drawing inspiration from Aristotle, he elaborated on the role of ethos, pathos, and logos in legal reasoning, emphasizing independent thought and the study of jurisprudence. Commenting on legal decision-making and the abstract/concrete paradox, he noted that law is not practiced in abstraction, unlike physical sciences. Instead, courts often assess the constitutionality of laws through concrete cases.
Welcoming the guests and reflecting on the essence of striving for excellence, Dr. Mayuri H. Pandya, Dean, Faculty of Law, remarked, “The emotion to perform at your best will set everything in motion.” She extended greetings to all dignitaries, including Hon’ble Mr. Justice Biren A. Vaishnav, Hon’ble Ms. Justice Vaibhavi Nanavati, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pranav Trivedi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepak Roshan, Prof. (Dr.) Chandini Kapadia, Executive Director, GLS University, and Prof. (Dr.) Dharmesh Shah, Provost, GLS University.
The inaugural ceremony also featured an address by the previous year’s winners, who shared their experiences, inspiring the current participants. Following the ceremony, intense rounds of competition commenced, adjudicated by senior advocates and judges of the High Court of Gujarat. The event concluded with insightful messages from dignitaries, a Vote of Thanks, and the National Anthem.
The grand finale and valedictory ceremony took place the following day, presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Biren A. Vaishnav and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pranav Trivedi, Judges of the High Court of Gujarat.
Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Hon’ble Mr. Justice Biren A. Vaishnav praised moot court competitions for instilling confidence in budding lawyers and urged participants to uphold integrity and justice. He cautioned against shortcuts to material gain, emphasizing that lawyers should never compromise on honesty and professional ethics.
Echoing this sentiment, the Guest of Honour, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pranav Trivedi, highlighted the significance of moot court competitions in providing real-world litigation experience. He described the competition as a microcosm of real-world legal challenges, underscoring the role of critical thinking, research, and composure under pressure in shaping astute legal minds.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Dr. Sudhir Nanavati, President, GLS University, reflected on his illustrious 52-year legal career, emphasizing the dynamism of the legal profession and the values of respect, meticulous preparation, and lifelong learning.
Providing an overview of the program, Dr. Mayuri Pandya recounted the three-day journey of the competition, lauding the participants' dedication and the rigorous judging process. She noted that this moot court competition stands out among similar events nationwide, as it offers the highest cash prize to winners and continues to attract top law schools from across India.
Towards the conclusion of the valedictory ceremony, awards and cash prizes were distributed to the winners. A total of ₹5,46,000/- in cash prizes was awarded—the highest cash prize among all moot court competitions in India.
Winners and Awards
The Faculty of Law remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing legal talent and fostering excellence in legal education.