The Moot Court Committee of National Law University, Jodhpur successfully hosted the XVIIth NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2026 from 13th – 15th March, 2026 at the National Law University, Jodhpur campus. One of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in India focused exclusively on antitrust and competition law, this edition was organised in association with AZB & Partners and the Competition Commission of India. The competition witnessed participation from 32 teams from law schools across India, competing over three rigorous days to showcase their mastery of competition law and legal advocacy. This edition’s moot problem was centred around Algorithmic Hub and Spoke Cartelisation, and Data Privacy concerns arising from the same.
Inaugural Ceremony
The Inaugural Ceremony of the XVIIth NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition was graced by the distinguished presence of Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of National Law University, Jodhpur. The Chief Guest for the Ceremony was Mr. Augustine Peter, Former Member of the Competition Commission of India. The ceremony set an inspiring tone for the 3 days of intense advocacy that were to follow.
Day 1 — 13th March, 2026: Preliminary Rounds
The Preliminary and Reverse Preliminary Rounds commenced on 13th March, 2026, marking the start of an intense legal battle in which 32 teams from across India showcased their mastery of competition law. Sharp questions were raised on the role of digital platforms, systemically important digital intermediaries, and the effectiveness of competition law in tackling Big Tech monopolies. Following the conclusion of the preliminary rounds, the top 16 qualifying teams advanced to the knockout stages.
Day 2 — 14th March, 2026: Octa-Finals, Quarter-Finals & Semi-Finals
The Octa-Final Rounds commenced with palpable intensity as the top 16 qualifying teams proceeded to the advanced rounds. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as teams vied for a place in the Quarter-Finals, showcasing their mastery of antitrust law and advocacy prowess.
The Quarter-Final Rounds marked a pivotal stage in the tournament, as the top eight teams battled for a place in the Semi-Finals. Their performances showcased exceptional legal reasoning, strategic advocacy, and a deep understanding of antitrust jurisprudence.
The Semi-Final Rounds witnessed a high-stakes battle between the top four teams, each vying for a place in the grand finale. The teams competing in the Semi-Finals were ILS Law College, Pune, Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, and National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi.
The Semi-Finals were adjudged by an esteemed panel comprising Sri Anil, Deputy Director (Economics), Competition Commission of India; Ms. Sunaina Dutta, Joint Director (Law), Competition Commission of India; Mr. Vaibhav Ganjiwale, Head of Business Development — South India, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; Ms. Rinki Singh, Senior Associate (Competition & Corporate Law), Dentons Link Legal; Dr. Saurabh Pandey, Senior Manager Legal, DLF Offices; and Mr. Piyush Dwivedi, Senior Associate, S4A Partners.
Day 3 — 15th March, 2026: Final Rounds
The Final Rounds commenced on 15th March, 2026, marking the pinnacle of the competition through a showdown between National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai. Both teams delivered rigorous arguments in a fast-paced round characterised by sharp rebuttals and meticulous legal analysis.
The Final Round was adjudged by an esteemed panel comprising Ms. Shaila, Director, Competition Commission of India; Sr. Adv. Ashok Soni, Senior Advocate, High Court of Rajasthan; Sr. Adv. Muktesh Maheshwari, Senior Advocate, Jodhpur Bench, Rajasthan High Court; Mr. Mayank Mishra, Director Legal, True North Co.; and Dr. Saurabh Pandey, Senior Manager Legal, DLF.
Valedictory Ceremony
The Valedictory Ceremony was held on 15th March, 2026, marking the grand conclusion of the event. The ceremony commenced with speeches delivered by respected faculty advisors, and the honours were graciously presented by the esteemed panel of judges.
Results & Prize Winners
Winning Team: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru — Mr. Aarav Bardhan, Mr. Vinayak Kedia, and Mr. Muhammad Bin Anwar
Runners-Up Team: Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai — Mr. Hoysala Tejaswi, Ms. Veeha Gupta, and Ms. Anamika Jaiswal
Best Memoranda: Symbiosis Law School, Pune — Ms. Saara Banwat, Ms. Bhavya Setia, and Ms. Aanya Sharma
Best Student Advocate: Ms. Divisha Hassanandani, National Law University, Delhi
Second Best Student Advocate: Ms. Abinaya Anand, Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad
Best Student Advocate of the Finals: Ms. Veeha Gupta, Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
Acknowledgements
The Moot Court Committee extends its sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur and the Registrar, Dr. Sunita Pankaj, for their invaluable support in making this event a success. The Committee also thanks the Competition Commission of India and AZB & Partners for their continued institutional support and partnership, and SCC Online and SCC Times for their role as knowledge and media partners. The competition continues to set a high benchmark for student advocacy and academic engagement in competition law across India.
