Kolkata’s university wins HNLU-NHRC moot court competition on tribal rights

Raipur: The Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) in Raipur hosted the HNLU-NHRC Moot Court Competition on tribal rights. Aditya Bhura and Drishti Banerjee from Kolkata's Amity University emerged victorious in the closely contested competition, winning the trophy and prize money of Rs 50,000. The runners-up, Ojal Maurya, Ananya Giri, and Apoorva Singh from Chanakya National Law University, Patna, received prize money of Rs 30,000.
National Human Rights Commission acting chairperson Vijaya Bharati Sayani was the chief guest at the event, which saw participation from 20 moot teams, comprising 60 mooters from across India.
HNLU vice chancellor V C Vivekanandan and NHRC registrar Joginder Singh addressed the gathering during the competition.
The two-day event witnessed the participation of 45 judges for the oral rounds. The final round was judged by Justice Goda Raghuram, former director of national judicial academy, and other jurists.
Prof Vivekanandan, in his opening remarks, highlighted the issues of tribal rights, which formed the basis of the moot problem, and referred to the message of Chief Seattle, the Red Indian chieftain's letter to the US president in 1854.
Justice G. Raghuram noted the complexity of law-making and its operations, emphasizing the importance of moot exercises in training and sensitising future lawyers to understand the nuances involved. Prof Ranbir Singh stressed the significance of critical thinking, research skills, and teamwork as essential elements and training foundations for moots of this nature. Prof Paramjit S Jaswal praised the meticulous organisation and delivery of the moot by HNLU.
R Muralidharn discussed the diverse issues of cultural rights that need to be considered. Aditya Bhurra from Amity University, Kolkata, and Ojal Maurya from Chanakya National Law University, Patna, were adjudged the best speakers, and Keertana Bashishta from University School of Legal Studies was recognised as the best researcher.