{"id":344516,"date":"2025-03-28T10:21:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T04:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=344516"},"modified":"2025-03-31T13:25:24","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T07:55:24","slug":"live-reporting-16th-nlu-antitrust-moot-court-competition-2025-by-nlu-jodhpur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2025\/03\/28\/live-reporting-16th-nlu-antitrust-moot-court-competition-2025-by-nlu-jodhpur\/","title":{"rendered":"Live Reporting | 16th NLU Antitrust Moot Court Competition, 2025 by NLU Jodhpur"},"content":{"rendered":"

The XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, organized by National Law University, Jodhpur, is set to take place from March 28 to 30, 2025. Over the years, this prestigious competition has grown to become India’s largest moot court event focused on competition law. With notable associations such as the Competition Commission of India and the renowned law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, the event promises exemplary legal discourse and commendable adjudication.<\/p>\n

The event, this year, features participation from 36 teams, competing for coveted titles and substantial cash prizes across categories such as Best Team, Best Memoranda, and Best Student Advocate.<\/p>\n

The moot proposition focuses on the interplay between regulatory authority and private enterprise, and requires the participants to examine critical questions of market dominance, revenue sharing, and regulatory overreach. Official documents and other relevant details can be found here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

10:30 AM: Inauguration Ceremony \u2013 XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The inauguration ceremony of the XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, commenced at 10:30 AM with distinguished dignitaries gracing the event. Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, Jodhpur, and Dr. Sunita Pankaj, Registrar, presided over the occasion. The event was further honored by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Augustine Peter<\/strong>, a notable figure in the field of competition law.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s moot is held in the cherished memory of three NLUJ students \u2014 Ms. Aarushi Gupta, Mr. Aarav Midha, and Mr. V. Harshith<\/strong> \u2014 who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident. The competition stands as a tribute to their enduring spirit.<\/em><\/h4>\n
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Vice-Chancellor of NLUJ, Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur addressing the gathering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur<\/strong> delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the evolving and relatively unexplored dimensions of antitrust law. She highlighted how the complexities of digital markets have necessitated significant legal reforms, including the Competition (Amendment) Act, as recommended by the Competition Law Review Committee (CLRC) and the 2022 Parliamentary Standing Committee. These reforms focus on addressing anti-competitive practices by Big Tech and identifying Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs).<\/p>\n

Mr. Augustine Peter<\/strong>, the Chief Guest, a former Member of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), underscored the importance of mooting in developing the ability to think on one\u2019s feet \u2014 a critical skill for aspiring legal professionals. He reflected on the significance of competition law in fostering market efficiency and discussed a recent case concerning AGI Greenpac’s acquisition of the insolvent Hindustan National Glass and Industries (HNG). He also commended the moot proposition for its lucidity, while noting its deceptively complex nuances. In conclusion, he extended his best wishes to all participants.<\/p>\n

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Distinguished Chief Guest, Mr Augustine Peter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mr. Siddarth Balani<\/strong>, Chairperson of the Moot Court Committee (MCC), spoke about the interdisciplinary nature of competition law and its interconnectedness with fundamental legal principles. He celebrated not only the 16th edition of the moot but also the legacy that NLU Jodhpur continues to uphold, emphasizing the platform it provides for learning and intellectual growth.<\/p>\n

Ms. Harshita Jain<\/strong>, Co-Convenor of the Moot Court Committee, reflected on the enduring spirit of advocacy and intellectual rigor that the competition represents. She officially declared the XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, open, marking the beginning of three days of intense legal battles.<\/p>\n

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12:30 PM: Preliminary Rounds Begin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The preliminary rounds of the XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, commenced at 12:30 PM, marking the start of an intense legal battle where teams showcased their mastery over competition law.<\/p>\n

Judges rigorously tested the participants on key antitrust concepts, focusing on the balance between free-market competition and regulatory oversight, the abuse of dominance, and cartelization in oligopolistic markets. Sharp questions were raised on the role of digital platforms, systemically important digital intermediaries (SIDIs), and the effectiveness of competition law in tackling Big Tech monopolies. Participants were also grilled on the extraterritorial reach of competition law, the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property rights, and the impact of anti-competitive agreements on consumer welfare.<\/p>\n

3:45 PM: Reverse Preliminary Rounds<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The reverse preliminary rounds commenced at 3:45 PM, offering teams a second opportunity to present their case from the opposite side. The shift in perspective challenged participants to exhibit versatility in legal reasoning, and the judges pressed them on intricate aspects of market dynamics and regulatory frameworks.<\/p>\n

DAY 2: 29th March, 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n

12:00 PM: Octa-Finals<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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At 12:00 PM<\/strong>, the Octa-Finals<\/strong> of the XVI NLUJ Antitrust Moot Court Competition<\/strong> commenced with palpable intensity, as the top 16 qualifying teams<\/strong> advanced to the knockout rounds. The competition witnessed rigorous legal arguments and sharp advocacy skills, setting the stage for a fierce contest.<\/p>\n

The teams that qualified for the Octa-Finals<\/strong> are as follows:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Team 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Team 32<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Team 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Team 5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Team 20<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Team 33<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  7. \n

    Team 12<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  8. \n

    Team 19<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Team 15<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  10. \n

    Team 6<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  11. \n

    Team 28<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  12. \n

    Team 34<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  13. \n

    Team 14<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  14. \n

    Team 26<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  15. \n

    Team 29<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  16. \n

    Team 1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the teams vied for a place in the Quarter-Finals<\/strong>, showcasing their mastery of antitrust law and advocacy prowess.<\/p>\n

    4:00PM: Quarter-Finals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    The Quarter-Finals<\/strong> of the XVI NLUJ Antitrust Moot Court Competition<\/strong> commenced, marking a pivotal stage in the tournament. The proceedings were marked by intense legal exchanges and strategic advocacy, as the top eight teams<\/strong> battled for a place in the Semi-Finals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The teams that advanced to the Quarter-Finals<\/strong> are:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Team 14<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Team 28<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      Team 32<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      Team 8<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    5. \n

      Team 4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    6. \n

      Team 20<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    7. \n

      Team 6<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    8. \n

      Team 19<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      Semi-Final Results (6:00 PM, March 29th)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      The semi-finals, held at 6:00 PM on March 29th<\/strong>, witnessed a high-stakes battle between the top four teams, each vying for a place in the grand finale. After rounds of intense legal arguments and incisive judicial scrutiny, Teams 8 and 20<\/strong> emerged victorious, securing their spots in the final round. Their performances showcased exceptional legal reasoning, strategic advocacy, and a deep understanding of antitrust jurisprudence.<\/p>\n

      Finals Underway (10:00 AM, March 30th)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      The final round of the XVI NLU Antitrust Law Moot Court Competition, 2025, commenced at 10:00 AM<\/strong>, marking the pinnacle of this prestigious event, between National Law School of India, Bengaluru, and OP Jindal Global Law School.<\/em><\/strong> With both teams delivering rigorous arguments, the proceedings are moving at a rapid pace, characterized by sharp rebuttals and meticulous legal analysis. The judges are pressing the finalists on complex issues such as market dominance, anti-competitive conduct in digital markets, and the evolving role of regulatory authorities<\/strong>. The competition remains fierce, with both sides determined to claim the coveted title.<\/p>\n

      The same was livestreamed on YouTube, and can be viewed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      Judges for the Finals<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      The final round was adjudicated by an esteemed panel of legal experts:<\/p>\n