The 8th KIIT National Moot Court Competition was inaugurated at KIIT Law School (KLS). The Inaugural Ceremony commenced with the welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Bhabani Prasad Panda, Director, KLS. He warmly welcomed all the guests and dignitaries. “We look forward to more virtual moot court competitions and also physical ones in the near future”, he said.
Placing the inaugural address, Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi stated that through moot court competitions students can gain a lot, such as: writing and research skills, networking skills and most importantly practical knowledge. Moot court competitions help boost the morale of the students, and it helps students gain confidence and get better at articulating their points and putting forward their arguments. “Law cannot be interpreted or insulated in a mechanical manner. One needs to understand the social reality”, he said. He stressed that higher education is not only a means for a job, but it should also be used as an instrument for social reality.
Mr. Zerick Dastur stated the importance of regulators in the Indian legal ecosystem. There are two types of lawyers: the transactional lawyers and the curative lawyers, he said, adding that one has to select which one they aspire to be during their careers. He ended by saying, “Who said the sky’s the limit when there are footsteps on the moon.”
In his address, Guest of Honour, Prof. N.L. Mitra stressed the various stages which help a lawyer bring about justice. They are: There should be simulation, followed by the mooting process and to go and stand before a judge in a court. If lawyers argue properly, only then can administrative justice be achieved and that can culminate to curative justice.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Hrushikesha Mohanty, Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU elucidated on the process of legal argument, which can be used to empower the weak. He stated that only moot court competitions, but also the process of argument has transcended courts and moved to cyber space. The moot court competition can be a medium to facilitate that.
Prof. (Dr.) Sasmita Samanta, Pro-Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU stated that through the moot court competition, the participants will gain clarity and realize the various aspects of legal practice effectively. This will also give them a chance to devise a solution, which will help them acquire a sense of accountability in the present corporate scenario. She stated that the students should strive towards being pioneers in the legal fraternity.
Prof. (Dr.) Jyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU said, in the present scenario, attributes such as strong advocacy skills, logical skills and strong drafting skills are the objectives of the moot court competition and should be nurtured. He also added that KIIT is a student friendly university, and hence encourages students to participate in co-curricular activities.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof.(Dr.) P.C Mishra. He summarized what the speakers stated and wished all the participants good luck for the competition. KLSMCS conveyed their heartfelt thanks to all the guests, faculties, students and all the participants who were present at the inaugural ceremony.