“Reflecting the philosophy of Jaipur National University, this prestigious V.S. Mani Competition blends academic excellence with practical advocacy.” – Dr. Sandeep Bakshi
Jaipur, March 27, 2026: The Seedling School of Law and Governance at Jaipur National University commenced the 12th Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Mani Memorial International Law Moot Court Competition on Friday, marking the beginning of a three-day prestigious academic event scheduled from March 27 to 29, 2026. The competition aims to foster advocacy skills, strengthen legal research capabilities, and instill courtroom ethics among budding law professionals.
The inaugural session was chaired by Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. Sandeep Bakshi and formally inaugurated by Justice G.S. Singhvi, Judge (Retd.), Supreme Court of India, along with Prof. Prashanta Bhushan Barua, Vice President (Asia) of the Commonwealth Legal Education Association and Global Judge for Oxford University’s Price Media Law Mooting Championship.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Bakshi stated “By dedicating this international moot court competition to Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Mani, we honour a visionary who shaped modern legal thought. It is our endeavour to inspire young minds to follow his path of excellence, critical thinking, and commitment to justice” He emphasized the importance of practical learning in legal education. He remarked that while classroom teaching lays the foundation, real understanding emerges through interpretation and application of law in society. He highlighted that moot court competitions serve as a vital bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world legal practice, equipping students to meet the challenges of an evolving legal landscape.
Justice G.S. Singhvi, in his keynote address, underscored the significance of mooting as a foundational platform for developing advocacy skills. He noted that moot courts play a crucial role in enhancing argumentative abilities, research aptitude, and practical exposure—qualities essential for becoming a competent legal professional. Echoing similar sentiments, Prof. Prashanta Bhushan Barua stated that the competition provides an invaluable opportunity for students to refine their legal acumen and advocacy skills. He expressed optimism that such platforms would nurture future leaders and “stars” of the legal profession. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Satish C. Shastri, Director of the Seedling School of Law and Governance, highlighted that advocacy extends beyond legal statutes to encompass ethical responsibility and moral understanding. He encouraged participants to remain committed, confident, and resilient in their academic and professional journeys.
The competition has attracted participation from more than 50 teams representing National Law Universities, State Universities, and premier law institutions from across the country. This year’s moot problem is centered on the contemporary and highly relevant theme of International Cyber Law, reflecting the growing importance of legal frameworks in the digital age.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Pro Chancellor Prof. H.N. Verma, Executive Director Preeti Bakshi, Vice Chancellor Prof. R.L. Raina, and Rector Prof. Divya Shrivastava, who marked their presence at the inaugural session, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and meaningful legal discourse.
This event stands as a powerful testament to how Jaipur National University is not only imparting theoretical legal knowledge but also placing strong emphasis on developing practical skills, critical reasoning, and a deep sensitivity toward justice—empowering future legal professionals to establish their distinct identity in the field through rigorous research, compelling advocacy, and unwavering ethical values.
