SRM School of Law Hosts National Tamil Moot Court Competition, Highlights Women’s Leadership

SRM School of Law, part of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, has hosted the eighth National Level Tamil Moot Court Competition 2026, bringing together 42 teams and 126 participants from law institutions across India. The event highlighted women's representation in the legal profession, with an all-women panel of five legal professionals presiding over the final round.

Government Law College, Dharmapuri, secured the winning position, while Mother Teresa Law College finished as runner-up. Participants from Government Law College, Karaikudi, received the Best Memorial and Best Researcher awards. The Best Speaker award went to a participant from Government Law College, Tirunelveli, according to the organisers.

The competition combined practical legal training with efforts to promote Tamil as a language of legal research, argumentation and courtroom advocacy. Its focus on women's leadership also reflected the broader objective of advancing gender equality in the legal profession, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Five women legal professionals adjudicate the final round

The final round was evaluated by a panel comprising five women from the judiciary, legal practice and legal education. The panel included Justice (Retd.) Prabha Sridevan, former judge of the Madras High Court; Professor Dr N. Kayalvizhi, Principal of Dr Ambedkar Government Law College, Pattaraiperumbudur; Professor Dr Jaya Gowri, Principal of Dr Ambedkar Government Law College, Pudupakkam; Senior Advocate Geetha; and Senior Advocate G. V. Shobha, both associated with the Madras High Court.

The organisers presented the all-women panel as a central feature of this year's competition, drawing attention to the contribution of women in judicial, academic and advocacy roles.

The initiative also underscored the role of law schools in preparing future legal professionals by offering opportunities to learn from experienced judges, advocates and academic leaders.

Government Law College, Dharmapuri, wins the competition

Government Law College, Dharmapuri, won the competition, with Mother Teresa Law College securing second place. The awards recognised different aspects of legal preparation and courtroom performance.

Government Law College, Karaikudi, received recognition in both the Best Memorial and Best Researcher categories, while Government Law College, Tirunelveli, secured the Best Speaker award.

The results highlighted the importance of research, written legal submissions and oral advocacy in developing the practical skills required for legal practice.

Three-stage competition tests legal research and advocacy skills

The competition was conducted through multiple stages designed to evaluate participants' understanding of law, analytical reasoning and courtroom presentation.

During the preliminary rounds, judges assessed 42 teams on their interpretation and application of legal principles, use of legal authorities, quality of reasoning and responses to questions from the Bench.

Eight teams progressed to the quarterfinals, where the knockout format placed greater emphasis on persuasive arguments, legal precision, courtroom etiquette and the ability to defend submissions under questioning.

The competition provided students with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to simulated courtroom proceedings while strengthening their legal research, drafting, pleading and oral advocacy skills.

Tamil takes centre stage in legal education

A key objective of the National Tamil Moot Court Competition was to promote Tamil as a language for legal discourse. The event gave students from institutions across India a platform to present complex legal arguments and develop their confidence in courtroom communication in Tamil.

By encouraging legal research and advocacy in an Indian language, the competition highlighted the importance of linguistic accessibility in legal education. It also offered participants practical exposure to the demands of courtroom proceedings, including structured argumentation, responding to judicial questions and presenting legal authorities effectively.

The initiative reflects an approach to legal education that combines professional training with greater linguistic inclusivity.

Judges encourage students to build ethical legal careers

During the event, Justice (Retd.) Bhavani Subbarayan emphasised the importance of strengthening legal research, drafting, pleading and analytical abilities. She also highlighted the value of practical experience and a sustained commitment to justice.

Justice N. Mala of the Madras High Court encouraged participants to view both success and failure as important parts of their professional development. Drawing on her experience as a first-generation lawyer, she spoke about overcoming self-doubt, remaining persistent through challenges and developing confidence through experience.

She also urged students to maintain professional integrity, continue learning throughout their careers and follow strong ethical principles in legal practice.

SRM School of Law reinforces commitment to inclusive legal education

The eighth edition of the competition brought together law students, judicial experts, senior advocates and academic leaders for a programme centred on advocacy, professional learning and legal research.

By combining a Tamil-language moot court format with a women-led final panel, SRM School of Law sought to highlight two important dimensions of legal education: access to courtroom learning in an Indian language and greater visibility for women in legal leadership.

The competition reinforces the importance of experiential learning in preparing aspiring advocates for professional practice, while encouraging a legal community grounded in competence, inclusion and ethical responsibility.