Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka told law students not to ignore the importance of trial court practice. Speaking as the chief guest at the prize distribution of the 21st K K Luthra Memorial Moot Court, 2025, at India Habitat Centre, he shared his concern about moot court problems mostly focusing on international law.
New Delhi: Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka urged law colleges to design their moot court problems around civil and criminal appeals.
He emphasized that this approach would enhance students’ understanding of fundamental legal principles, preparing them for traditional practices and ultimately strengthening the legal profession by cultivating competent advocates and future judges.
Speaking as the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony of the 21st K K Luthra Memorial Moot Court, 2025, held at the India Habitat Centre, he expressed concern over the current trend of moot court problems focusing primarily on international law.
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He advised law students not to underestimate the value of trial court practice, describing it as “one of the most crucial aspects of their legal career.”
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of mastering advocacy skills, which he noted can be best learned by observing experienced lawyers in court. He encouraged students to “thoroughly study their briefs” and, importantly, to understand the judge presiding over their cases.
He reminded them that a lawyer is “an officer of the court, not merely a mouthpiece for the client,” stressing that ultimately, justice must prevail.
In his remarks, he praised all-girl teams in the final round, reflecting the growing presence of women in litigation and the judiciary. He also commended the Campus Law Centre of Delhi University for providing affordable legal education and for its role in producing outstanding lawyers and judges. Recalling his own law school days, he noted the scarcity of moot courts, where students relied heavily on guest lectures from distinguished lawyers.
Delhi High Court judge Justice Amit Bansal advised future lawyers to prepare their cases meticulously and to stay composed, regardless of the questions posed by the bench.
Justice Mini Pushkarna from the Delhi High Court emphasized the practical significance of moot courts, stating that,
“Legal education not only shapes responsible citizens but also develops individuals of integrity who can serve the aggrieved public”.
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Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar congratulated the Luthra family, including senior advocates Sidharth Luthra and Geeta Luthra, for sustaining their family legacy over the past 21 years. Advocate Gautam Khzanchi delivered the vote of thanks.
Prof. (Dr.) Alka Chawla, Professor-In-Charge of the Campus Law Centre, announced that SASTRA (Deemed to be University), Thanjavur, emerged as the winner of this year’s competition, receiving a cash prize of Rs 25,000, books from Ekta Publications, and a stay at Alila Diwa Hotel, Goa. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University was the first runner-up, awarded Rs 20,000 and books.
The Best Memorial was claimed by Lloyd Law School, Greater Noida, with Rs 25,000 and books, while the second Best Memorial went to Maharaja Agrasen College, Delhi, receiving Rs 20,000 and books. Himachal Pradesh NLU and Galgotia University, Greater Noida, were recognized as the best and second-best speakers, respectively.
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This year, the competition attracted participation from 127 institutions both domestically and internationally, with a total of 72 teams shortlisted from various institutions, including NLSIU, Bangalore, and Symbiosis Law School.
International teams also took part, including representatives from Northumbria University (UK), University of Mauritius, University of Zimbabwe, Tashkent State University of Law (Uzbekistan), and others. The moot problem this year challenged teams to explore the legality of using artificial intelligence tools in policing, an emerging issue worldwide.
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