Surana & Surana Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition (North Round 2025–26) begins at the University of Jammu

JAMMU: The Department of Law, University of Jammu, in collaboration with Surana & Surana International Attorneys, Chennai, inaugurated the Surana & Surana Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition, North Round 2025–26 today at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, with teams from 19 Universities across North India including NLUs, Central Universities and State Universities competing for the championship title.

The event commenced with registration of the participating teams at the Department of Law, followed by the Orientation and Draw of Lots, where teams were briefed about the competition format and rules. The Inaugural Ceremony began with the Lighting of the Lamp, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and justice.

Hon’ble Justice Tashi Rabstan, Former Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, also an alumnus of the Department of Law, was the Chief Guest of the event. Justice Tashi, in his address at the inaugural session of the National Moot Court Competition, expressed deep appreciation for the University of Jammu and its Department of Law for organizing such an enriching academic exercise in collaboration with Surana and Surana International Attorneys.

He shared his delight at the event coinciding with a personal milestone—his recent designation as a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India—making the occasion especially memorable. Commending the initiative, he remarked that moot court competitions hold immense significance in bridging classroom learning with real-life courtroom experience, allowing law students to gain practical exposure, confidence, and an understanding of legal procedures. He congratulated the faculty, organizers, and participants for their commitment to nurturing future advocates who will carry forward the integrity and intellectual rigour of the legal profession.

Drawing from his vast experience of over two decades as an advocate and thirteen years as a judge, Justice Tashi offered candid advice to aspiring lawyers. He emphasized that a good advocate must be thorough with the facts of the case, understand the relevant legal provisions, and cite only the most applicable and authoritative judgments. He encouraged students to observe courtroom proceedings, visit chambers of senior lawyers and judges, and cultivate the habit of analytical reading, as these experiences would strengthen their legal reasoning and professional ethics.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Guest of Honour of the event, congratulated former Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice Tashi Rabstan, on being designated as a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India—a moment he described as a matter of pride for the entire University, as Justice Tashi is an esteemed alumnus. He also commended Prof Manju Jamwal, Head and Dean of the Department of Law, for her leadership under which the Faculty of Law has strengthened its academic and professional standing. Prof. Rai extended appreciation to the organizing team, students, and partners from Surana & Surana International Attorneys for successfully hosting the North Rounds of the 2025 Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition. He highlighted that such events play a vital role in bridging classroom learning with courtroom experience, giving law students an opportunity to understand legal processes and develop advocacy skills essential for their future careers.

Prof. Rai emphasized that the University remains committed to fostering practical legal education and nurturing young talent through experiential learning. He noted that Moot Court competitions and advocacy exercises enable students to sharpen their understanding of drafting, argumentation, and courtroom conduct—key elements of a professional legal career. He further underlined the need to align legal pedagogy with the evolving demands of the profession, stating that while the Bar Council of India may guide curricular content, the approach to teaching and delivery lies within the University’s academic innovation. Prof. Rai urged students to take pride in their institution and to carry forward its values of integrity, discipline, and excellence, expressing confidence that many among them will go on to achieve distinction in the legal field.

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu was the Special Guest of the event. She said it was a proud moment to witness young law students embodying the spirit of the profession—dressed in their black coats, exuding confidence, and ready to demonstrate their understanding of law and justice. Prof. Rohmetra remarked that such platforms do far more than test legal knowledge; they shape intellect, sharpen reasoning, and nurture the poise and presence that define great advocates. These simulations, she noted, instill in students the discipline, ethics, and clarity essential to the pursuit of justice. Applauding the faculty for their vision and the students for their enthusiasm, she urged participants to treat every experience in this journey as a step toward excellence, leadership, and service to society through the noble profession of law.

Prof. J. P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs and Special Guest of the event, underscored the value of active participation in moot court exercises, emphasising that such experiences build the foundation for legal reasoning and confidence. He also highlighted how dedication and perseverance in the formative years shape one’s evolution as a legal scholar and educator.

The gathering was addressed by Mr Preetam Surana, Partner, Surana & Surana International Attorneys, who highlighted that every advocate has an ethical duty towards their clients. He also stated that power is somehow the burden of law because it comes with authority, responsibility and accountability. He also stated that undue delay in legal proceedings should be avoided.

Earlier in her formal welcome address, Prof. Manju Jamwal, Head and Dean, Faculty of Law highlighted the importance of trial advocacy as an essential component of legal education and practice.

She emphasised the need for experiential learning through courtroom simulations, nurturing both legal acumen and ethical professionalism among budding lawyers. She also encouraged the participants to not only perform but also learn from the eminent minds.

The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Satinder Kumar, Former Head and Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jammu. The programme was conducted by Dr Navdeep Kour Sasan, Faculty Co-coordinator of the event and Assistant Professor, Department of Law.

The inaugural ceremony also included a cultural performance by students of the Department of Law.

Subsequently, the Exchange of Memorials took place, marking the formal beginning of the competition rounds scheduled to commence tomorrow, i.e. November, 01, 2025.

The event provided an opportunity for interaction among participants, judges, and faculty members. The competition will continue over the next two days, featuring Preliminary, Quarter-Final, Semi-Final, and Final Rounds.