The first edition of the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Moot Court Competition 2024 has been inaugurated today at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) by Justice Mr. H.S. Thangkhiew, Hon’ble Judge, High Court of Meghalaya in the presence of Shri E. Kharumnuid, Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya, Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM; Prof GD Sharma, VC, USTM; Dr RK Sharma, Advisor USTM;Prof. Subhram Rajkhowa, Sr. Professor, USLR;Dr Baharul Islam, Dean USLRand other dignitaries, faculty members, and more than a thousand law students.
Organized by the University School of Law and Research (USLR), USTM, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, the three-day legal extravaganza is witnessing energetic competition among 16 teams coming from various reputed institutions of the country including Symbiosis Law School from Pune, Techno Indian University from West Bengal, Christ University from Bengaluru, and North Eastern Hill University from Shillongto name a few. The competition is scheduled from April 4th to 6th, 2024.
Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM extended heartfelt gratitude to Justice Thangkhiew and said that the presence of such distinguished personalities in the National Moot Court competition at USLR has amplified the significance of the event. He has welcomed the teams of various institutions from across the country to this prestigious Moot Court competition at USTM.
Addressing a large gathering of law students, Justice Mr. H.S. Thangkhiew said, “Law is a career with a wide spectrum. Moot courts give the best possible chance to law students to hone their skills.” He spoke about the origin of Moot Court and stated that Moot Court competitions helpstudents overcome stage fright, build confidence, legal skill, courtroom experience, critical thinking and teamwork.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr E. Kharumnuid said that Dr BR Ambedkar is the father of the Indian constitution who made the Constitution people-centric. “Mooting is important for students because it builds the network and enhancesthe ability to research and teamwork, legal drafting, and critical thinking among law students”, he added.
Earlier, the welcome address was made by Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor, USTM. He said that USTM is emphasizing on activity oriented learning following the suggestions of the Bar Council of India. The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks offered by Prof. Subhram Rajkhowa, Sr. Professor, USLR, USTM.
The awards of the Moot Court competition comprise cash prizes worth Rs. 61,000 along with other prizes, certificates and trophies. The final rounds of the competition will be conducted 6th of April.The winning team will receive Rs. 25,000 cash prize, certificates, and mementos while the runners-upwillreceive Rs. 15,000cash prize, certificates, and mementos. Besides, there are prizes for the Best Speaker, Best Researcher, and Best Memorial, respectively.
