The 1st ILNU Mock Trial Competition was organised at the Institute of Law, Nirma University (March 28-30, 2025). It presented an engaging legal dispute designed to challenge participants on key aspects of criminal law, evidence law, and procedural law. The case involved multiple parties, including the accused, the victim, and key witnesses, and raised complex legal questions requiring careful analysis. The participants navigated issues like criminal liability, admissibility of evidence, and procedural fairness, working through forensic reports, witness testimony, and confessions to build their arguments. They also explored possible defences such as alibi, self-defence, or lack of intent, making for a well-rounded courtroom challenge. In this mock trial setting, participants took upon the roles as prosecutors, defence attorneys, and witnesses, engaging in witness examinations and legal arguments while following courtroom procedures. Beyond just testing legal knowledge, the problem was designed to help students sharpen their advocacy skills, critical thinking, and litigation strategies in a realistic trial environment.
The event witnessed an intense battle of legal acumen as 20 top institutions, both government and private, competed in this three-day trial advocacy challenge. After rigorous rounds, Christ University-Delhi, emerged as the winners while NALSAR University of Law secured the runners-up position. NALSAR also bagged the Best Speaker and Best Judgment awards, showcasing their excellence in courtroom advocacy. Among the 110 witnesses examined throughout the competition, Aditi from ILNU was adjudged the Best Witness.