Integral University Hosts 5th AIU National Moot Court Competition; Legal Luminaries Call for Ethics and Integrity

Advocacy Beyond Arguments: Hon'ble Pro-Chancellor’s Address

Inaugurating the event, Hon'ble Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Syed Nadeem Akhtar, highlighted that moot courts serve as vital training grounds. He remarked that these competitions are not just about winning arguments but are platforms for cultivating practical advocacy skills, professional integrity, and a deep-seated dedication to the law. He further emphasized how the university’s name, “Integral,” reflects its mission to blend professional expertise with core ethical values.

Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava on Legal Ethics

The Chief Guest for the occasion, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava (Retd.), Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh State Law Commission, delivered an inspiring address on the moral responsibilities of a lawyer.

• Upholding Values: He urged students to maintain the highest standards of legal ethics.

• Social Service: He reminded the audience that a lawyer’s role extends to serving society and protecting constitutional rights.

• The Philosophy of Duty: His mention of the philosophy “Balidan Parmo Dharma” (Sacrifice is the supreme duty) left a lasting impact on the young participants.

Insights into the Evolving Legal Landscape

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Santosh Kumar Srivastava, Head of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal, shared his expertise on how the legal profession is changing. He noted that mooting is essential for building the confidence necessary to navigate modern legal complexities.

Milestones and Publications

The ceremony also marked a significant academic milestone with the unveiling of the 5th Volume of the "Integral Law Review", the Faculty of Law’s flagship journal. The event was further supported by addresses from:

• Prof. Furqan Qamar (Vice-Chancellor): Who reaffirmed the university's commitment to providing top-tier legal education.

• Prof. (Dr.) Mohd Haris Siddiqui (Registrar): Who reflected on the university's journey of growth since 2004.

• Prof. (Dr.) Naseem Ahmad (Dean, Faculty of Law): Who welcomed the delegates and outlined the faculty's vision of creating justice-oriented legal professionals.

Competition Commences

Following the formal inauguration, the excitement moved to the technical rounds. Participating teams engaged in the Draw of Lots and the Researchers’ Test, officially kicking off the competitive phase of the event. Over the next two days, teams will face off in rigorous courtroom simulations to claim the national title.