Law Commission chairman delivers address at inaugural KIIT International Moot Court Competition

By  Swagatika Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar : Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Chairman of the 23rd Law Commission of India and former Supreme Court judge, graced the inaugural session of the 1st KIIT International Moot Court Competition today. His address, delivered during a two-day visit to KIIT University and KISS, underscored the importance of legal excellence, critical thinking, and professional integrity among aspiring lawyers.

Justice Maheshwari emphasized the critical role moot court competitions play in shaping future legal practitioners. “Moot courts are indispensable in honing the skills necessary for litigation, arbitration, and various other branches of law. Arbitration, in particular, has evolved beyond an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to become a central pillar of the legal system, offering solutions where traditional avenues fall short,” he remarked.

Offering counsel to the young legal minds, Justice Maheshwari stressed the importance of clarity and precision over verbosity. “Precision matters far more than volume in any adjudicatory process. Students must cultivate a habit of asking pertinent questions, be concise in arguments, and foster a spirit of curiosity—this is the hallmark of every successful lawyer,” he advised. He also urged participants to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to moot court activities as a means of building analytical rigor, trustworthiness, and an aptitude for synthesizing complex legal information.

The Chairman further lauded the vision of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, highlighting his philosophy of ‘India Against Negativity’. “Dr. Samanta’s leadership exemplifies the power of positive thinking. We must all pledge to rise above negativity in our professional and personal lives,” Justice Maheshwari noted.

During his visit to KISS, the Chairman also interacted with tribal students, commending the institution’s pivotal role in advancing socio-economic development among tribal communities.

The premier edition of the competition has drawn over 54 teams, including participants from international institutions, and is hosted by KIIT School of Law—one of India’s leading legal education centers, celebrated for securing three consecutive victories at the BCI National Moot Court Competition.

Chancellor Ashok Kumar Parija exhorted the students to pursue law with diligence, stating, “Law is a challenging profession. Commit yourself fully, and the rewards will follow.”

Prof. (Emeritus) N. L. Mitra traced the historical development of moot court practices, from their origins in the late 19th century to the rise of arbitration-focused competitions in the 1960s. The event was also addressed by KIIT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Raju K. D., and Director of KIIT School of Law Prof. Rose Varghese.