Moot courts best for law students to hone skills: Justice HS Thangkhiew at USTM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 4, 2024

“Law is a career with a wide spectrum. Moot courts give the best possible chance to law students to hone their skills,” Justice HS Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, said while inaugurating the first edition of the Dr BR Ambedkar National Moot Court Competition 2024 at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).

Thangkhiew spoke about the origin of Moot Court and stated that Moot Court competitions help students overcome stage fright, and build confidence, legal skill, courtroom experience, critical thinking and teamwork.

Speaking on the occasion, 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 enhances the ability to research and teamwork, legal drafting, and critical thinking among law students”, he added.

Earlier, in his welcome address USTM vice chancellor Prof GD Sharma said that USTM is emphasizing on activity-oriented learning following the suggestions of the Bar Council of India. 

In his address, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque 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.

The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks offered by Prof Subhram Rajkhowa.

The programme was attended by Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya, E Kharumnuid; USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, vice-chancellor Prof GD Sharma, USTM advisor Dr RK Sharma, USLR senior professor Subhram Rajkhowa, USLR dean Dr Baharul Islam and 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 (NEHU) from Shillong to name a few. 

The competition is scheduled from April 4 to 6.

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 mementoes while the runners-up will receive Rs 15,000 cash prize, certificates, and mementoes.  

Besides, there are prizes for the Best Speaker, Best Researcher, and Best Memorial, respectively.