2nd NLST Moot Court Competition 2026 by Noida Legal Service Trust
About the Organisation
Noida Legal Service Trust (NLST) is a registered NGO dedicated to advancing legal awareness and access to justice across India. Guided by the vision of Mr. Preetam Awana, we operate through a nationwide network of advocates, young lawyers, and law students.
About the Competition
The Moot Court Competition focuses on the intersection of new criminal laws and constitutional principles, providing a platform for participants to explore the evolving landscape of criminal justice. As countries modernize their legal frameworks to address contemporary challenges, the introduction of new criminal laws often raises significant constitutional questions.
This competition invites participants to engage in a nuanced discussion about the balance between criminal administration and the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. At the heart of the moot is the tension between the need for due criminal process and safeguarding the rights of victims and accused. Criminal laws are updated or introduced to address issues like the protection of victims (without violating the rights of accused), due process, technical methods, and investigation & its admissibility in the court of law.
They must be scrutinized for their impact on the fundamental rights of victims and accused, as well as due process, particularly in cases where convictions rely on circumstantial evidence or are affected by procedural irregularities during investigations. Contestants will be tasked with analyzing whether these laws infringe upon constitutional protections or whether they serve to strengthen the rule of law in a constitutional democracy.
Another critical issue addressed in the moot is the role of the Judiciary in interpreting criminal laws, particularly in cases where conviction is primarily based on circumstantial evidence and electronic evidence. Participants will examine how courts navigate the tension between upholding the fundamental right and ensuring the integrity of investigations.
The competition will delve into challenges posed by the collection and recording of evidence, especially when procedural irregularities during investigations risk vitiating the rights of accused persons. This moot invites participants to analyze whether courts should actively safeguard constitutional protections in such scenarios or defer to legislative intent while interpreting new laws.
Eligibility
All students enrolled in a three (3)-year LL.B. program or a five (5)-year integrated law program shall be eligible to participate in the competition.
However, only two teams per institution shall be eligible to participate. In the event of multiple registrations from the same college/university/law school, the team that submits a letter by the head/dean of the institution/moot court committee authorizing them to participate on behalf of the college or law school shall be eligible to register.
Students enrolled in postgraduate or diploma courses are not eligible to participate.
How to Register?
Interested candidates can apply online via the link given at the end of the post.
Important dates
- Proposition Release & Registration Opens: 5 May 2026
- Registration Deadline: 25 July 2026
- Memorial Submission Opens: 1 July 2026
- Memorial Submission Deadline: 30 July 2026
- Memorial Submission Result: 2 August 2026
- Inauguration Ceremony: 7 August 2026
- Preliminary & Quarter Final Rounds: 22 August 2026
- Semi-Final, Final Rounds & Valedictory Ceremony: 23 August 2026
Fee
- Each team (2 Speakers + 1 Researcher) shall pay Rs. 800 towards memorial checking.
- Only the teams selected after memorial evaluation shall be required to pay the remaining Rs. 1600 as the registration fee.
Contact
Email: noidalegalservicetrust@gmail.com, mootcourtcompetition@nlst.in
