Happenings

In furtherance of its continued commitment to equipping students of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur with practical skills and comprehensive legal knowledge, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Cell (ADRC) successfully organised the SLS Nagpur Arbitration Competition, 2026. Held on 28th February and 1st March 2026, the event marked a significant milestone in the growth and evolution of ADRC’s initiatives. The competition brought together talented teams from across the country, providing participants with a valuable platform to refine their advocacy, arbitration strategy, and dispute resolution skills in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The event aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application of arbitration, while fostering analytical thinking, legal research, and effective advocacy among participants.

Evolution of ADRC Competitions

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Cell (ADRC) of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur organised the SLS Nagpur Arbitration Competition, 2026 with the objective of providing a premier platform for students to demonstrate their advocacy and adversarial skills in the field of domestic arbitration. The competition was designed to simulate realistic arbitration proceedings, allowing participants to engage with complex legal issues, procedural nuances, and case management tools in accordance with the protocols of reputed arbitral institutions.

Event Structure and Collaborations

The SLS Nagpur Arbitration Competition, 2026 was conducted over two days, commencing on 28th February 2026, and began with an Inauguration Ceremony that marked the formal opening of the event.

The Organizing Committee

The smooth and successful conduct of the competition was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the ADRC team. Leading this endeavour were the Convenors, Elisha Manu Vattappillil and Pranshu Garg, whose strong leadership, careful planning, and exceptional coordination ensured that the event was organised with precision and excellence. Supporting them was the Co-Convenor, Fareeha Badar, whose commitment, attention to detail, and consistent efforts played a vital role in the seamless execution of the competition.

The Organising Committee, comprising diligent ADRC members, worked collectively and efficiently to manage every aspect of the event. Their teamwork and professionalism ensured that the competition was conducted smoothly and with distinction. The event was further guided by the constant support and mentorship of Dr. Shilpa Sharma, Faculty In-Charge of ADRC.

Preparation and Registration Process

Preparations for the SLS Nagpur Arbitration Competition, 2026 commenced well in advance, with the ADRC meticulously planning and coordinating every aspect to ensure the event was conducted in an organised, seamless, and efficient manner. The registration process was opened to students from all academic years across India, inviting broad participation. After careful scrutiny, 10 teams were selected to compete. Detailed information regarding the rules, schedule, and evaluation criteria was shared with the selected teams ahead of time, allowing them adequate opportunity to prepare their written submissions. The memorials, outlining the legal arguments and positions of the respective parties, were submitted within the stipulated deadline and constituted a significant component of the assessment process.

To ensure fairness and clarity in the proceedings, a Draw of Lots was conducted on 27th March 2026. The draw was carried out by the faculty in charge Professor Dr. Shilpa Sharma and Professor Jimmy Jose, who oversaw the process. It determined the allocation of roles in both the Preliminary Rounds as well as the assignment of conference rooms, thereby maintaining transparency and upholding the integrity of the competition.

Inauguration Ceremony

On 28th February 2026, the two-day Arbitration Competition formally commenced with the gracious arrival of our esteemed judges and dignitaries. The dais was honoured by the presence of our Chief Guest, Hon’ble Justice Avinash Gharote, Former Judge, Bombay High Court, and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Himesh Thakur, Associate Partner, PSL Advocates & Solicitors, whose distinguished presence added great prestige to the occasion.

Hon’ble Justice Avinash Gharote addressed the gathering with an insightful speech on arbitration law and its evolving role in shaping the legal landscape. He explained how arbitrations function, practical applications, and its growing importance in strengthening and streamlining the Indian judicial system. His address was both enlightening and motivating for the participants.

Mr. Himesh Thakur shared valuable guidance on effectively dealing with issues before a tribunal and presenting arguments with clarity and confidence. He emphasised that it is essential to carefully listen to both the counsel and the judges, and to thoughtfully assess their observations before responding. He further explained the key elements and crucial factors that form the foundation of strong arguments in an arbitration competition.

Following the insightful addresses by the judges, Dr. Shilpa Sharma, Faculty In-charge of ADRC, formally declared the two-day Arbitration Competition open. Her warm and encouraging words set a positive tone for the event, marking the official commencement of the competition on an inspiring note.

The event was further graced by Mr. Vivek Joshi, Senior Associate, and Ms. Sanya Gangar, Associate at PSL Advocates & Solicitors. Their valuable contribution in drafting the problem statement and their instrumental role in shaping the academic standard of the competition were also duly recognised.

The occasion was further honoured by the gracious presence of Prof. (Dr.) Sukhvinder Singh Dari, Director of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur. A distinguished academician and visionary leader in legal education, Dr. Dari’s address on the evolving contours of arbitration and the indispensable role of legal professionals in advancing effective dispute resolution offered profound insights. His words served as a source of inspiration, encouraging aspiring practitioners to engage with arbitration not merely as a mechanism, but as a transformative instrument within the justice delivery system.

Additionally, Dr. Shilpa Sharma, Faculty In-charge of ADRC, played a pivotal role in the seamless execution of the event. Her unwavering dedication to the advancement of alternative dispute resolution and her meticulous leadership were reflected in every aspect of the competition, significantly contributing to its resounding success.

Beyond the dais, the event was strengthened by the valued presence of Dr. Deepti Khubalkar, Deputy Director of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, whose constant support and guidance proved instrumental in the organisation of the competition.

The event was further elevated by the gracious presence of the dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff, alongside enthusiastic participants from across India and the vibrant student community of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur. Their active engagement, intellectual curiosity, and spirited participation infused the competition with energy and purpose, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere throughout the proceedings.

The Inauguration Ceremony.

Competition Rounds

The esteemed judges were formally welcomed by Prof. (Dr.) Sukhvinder Singh Dari, Director of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, and Dr. Shilpa Sharma, Faculty In-charge of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Cell (ADRC). Their constant guidance and support played an important role in ensuring the smooth conduct and overall success of the competition, while also reinforcing the significance of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the contemporary legal landscape. Each arbitration session was meticulously timed and conducted in accordance with a well-structured format, encompassing both the oral arbitration rounds and the arbitral award writing segment. The competition comprised four rigorous stages: Preliminary Round I, Preliminary Round II, the Semi-Final Rounds, and the Final Round, each designed to test the participants’ analytical acumen and advocacy skills. The competition was adjudicated by an esteemed panel of fourteen distinguished judges drawn from accomplished professional backgrounds, including leading practitioners from PSL Advocates & Solicitors, the Bombay High Court, and other prominent legal institutions. The panel comprised Adv. Wilson Mathew, Mr. Inbavijayan Veeraraghavan, Mr. Himesh Thakur, Mr. Vivek Joshi, Ms. Sanya Gangar, Adv. Sahil Dewani, Adv. Uttam V Chakravarty, Adv. Nischay Jadhav, Adv. Chaitanya Dhruv, Adv. Aniket Dabadghao, Adv. Rohan Chhabra, and Adv. Deoul Pathak.

The competition was meticulously structured over two days, 28th February and 1st March 2026, and comprised four distinct rounds designed to rigorously assess the participants’ advocacy and analytical skills. The first day featured Preliminary Rounds I and II, along with the oral rounds,a separate Arbitral Award Drafting Round was conducted as a distinctive component of the competition. This round was exclusively undertaken by the designated arbitrators of each team and was conducted in the IT Room, where all 10 teams participated. The cumulative scores from these rounds were used to evaluate the overall performance of the team and teams were also evaluated for the Best Arbitral Award.

Following the Arbitral Award Drafting Round, the results were declared after careful evaluation by the judges. The top four teams were selected to advance to the Semi-Final rounds. The announcement was made at the Assembly Hall and the announcement was made by Dr. Shilpa Sharma, Faculty In-charge of ADRC, along with Professor Jimmy Jose. Subsequently, a draw of lots was conducted to determine the Semi final team pairings, and the exchange of memorials between the competing teams took place for Semi-Final rounds.

Top four teams that advanced to the Semi-Final Rounds were:

• National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL Ranchi)
• O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat
• Army Law College, Pune
• Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad

On 1st March, 2026, the second day, the competition progressed to its most decisive stages with the Semi-Final Round and the Final Round. The Final Round was conducted in the esteemed Moot Court Hall of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, in the presence of fellow participants and enthusiastic students, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation, intellectual rigour, and competitive excellence.

The Final Round was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of three eminent judges: Mr. Inbavijayan Veeraraghavan, Managing Partner at Kove Global LLP, Chennai, Mr. Himesh Thakur, Associate Partner at PSL Advocates & Solicitors, and Adv. Wilson Mathew, Senior Partner and Lead Counsel–Litigation at Counsel Quest, ensuring a rigorous, comprehensive, and meticulously evaluated conclusion to the competition. Their incisive questioning and keen observations elevated the intensity and academic depth of the final round.

Conclusion of the Event - Valedictory Ceremony:

The final rounds showcased a closely contested competition between the finalist teams, who upheld a remarkable competitive spirit and demonstrated exceptional presence of mind. The judges of the final rounds, being distinguished professionals and pioneers in the field, ensured a highly qualitative competition by constructively testing the participant’s knowledge while simultaneously keeping the audience thoroughly engaged.

The final rounds were then followed by the Valedictory Ceremony where the distinguished judges of the final rounds, Mr. Inbavijayan Veeraraghavan, Mr. Himesh Thakur, and Adv. Willson Mathew, were felicitated by Prof. (Dr.) Sukhvinder Singh Dari and Dr. Shilpa Sharma. The competition concluded with a formal Prize Distribution Ceremony, where the Best Written Submissions, Best Speaker, Best Team, Best Arbitral Award, and Runners-Up Team awards were presented. These awards recognized the teams and participants who demonstrated exceptional skills in arbitration.

The awardees for the SLS Nagpur Arbitration Competition were declared as follows:

After the final round of arbitration and the valedictory ceremony, the judges engaged in an interactive feedback session with the participants at the High Tea that was organized in the SLS Lawn. The judges also shared practical guidance on key aspects to focus on during arbitration proceedings, drawing from their professional experiences and illustrating their points through relevant real-life examples from practice. This interaction provided an enriching learning experience for the participants.

The competition also served as a platform for networking, bringing together legal professionals, and students, thereby facilitating meaningful exchanges of knowledge and perspectives on arbitration and dispute resolution. Acknowledgements and Future Prospects:

The success of the Arbitration Competition would not have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Sukhvinder Singh Dari, Director of Symbiosis Law School Nagpur, whose leadership continues to foster an environment of academic excellence and innovation in ADR education. The ADRC also expresses its sincere gratitude to faculty members, judges, volunteers, and all participating teams for their invaluable contributions in making the event a resounding success.

The seamless execution of the event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the volunteers and various sub-committees, who diligently undertook responsibilities ranging from timekeeping and managing competition rooms to assisting the judges throughout the proceedings. The coordinated efforts of the judges’ ushers, ADRC members, and the Organising Committee ensured that every session was conducted with precision and professionalism, strictly adhering to the prescribed timelines and upholding the highest standards of organisation.

Looking ahead, the ADRC remains committed to expanding the scope of its initiatives and providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage in arbitration and dispute resolution practices. Competitions such as the Arbitration Competition continue to play a vital role in equipping aspiring legal professionals with the analytical, advocacy, and practical skills required to excel in the evolving field of arbitration.

Further Glimpses into the Competition