The National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, is hosting the 1st Surana and Surana-NUSRL National Criminal Law Moot Court Competition. 

This online event has attracted participation from 35 teams representing various universities across the country. Following the inauguration ceremony today, the preliminary rounds commenced, with the octa and quarter-final rounds scheduled for November 15, and the semi-finals and finals set to take place on November 16, marking the conclusion of the competition. 

This year’s competition focuses on issues arising from amendments made to the criminal code in 2024, specifically examining the validity of trials conducted in absentia and the legality of extended police remands, aligning with statutory limits and constitutional rights. 

The ceremony began with a welcome address by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil. He expressed pride in the university's ability to host such a prestigious moot court competition and highlighted the outstanding achievements of NUSRL students in various moot court events across India. 

Vice-Chancellor Patil encouraged participants to engage in healthy competition and to make the most of the learning experiences offered by the event. Honorable Justice V. Gopal Gowda, the chief guest, emphasized the importance of moot court competitions, stating that they are essential for developing effective legal research skills necessary for becoming a better lawyer. 

He urged young lawyers to consider public litigation and to contribute to addressing challenges in trial processes at both district and high court levels. Professor Dr. Upendra Baxi, a distinguished jurist, shared his insights during the inauguration ceremony, discussing the differences in perspectives between lawyers and judges and stressing the importance of advocacy in India’s legal framework for justice. 

Pritam Surana, from Surana and Surana – leading in academic initiatives among international lawyers, narrated his contributions to legal education and the evolution of moot court competitions in India. 

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms. Soni Bhola, Faculty Chair of the Moot Court Committee at NUSRL, expressing gratitude to all esteemed guests and participants.