Kohima Law College organises first All Nagaland Moot Court Competition to promote practical legal education and advocacy skills
Participants engage with complex constitutional issues, indigenous rights and environmental protection
DIMAPUR — Kohima Law College, in collaboration with the Department of Law & Justice, Government of Nagaland, organised the first edition of the All Nagaland Moot Court Competition 2026 at the Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima, on November 6.
The competition brought together aspiring legal professionals to demonstrate their legal knowledge, research abilities, advocacy skills and courtroom presentation, an update stated.
It aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical legal education and practical courtroom experience by encouraging students to engage in legal research, construct arguments, interpret constitutional provisions and present submissions before a judicial bench.
Students from Kohima Law College and postgraduate law students (LL.M) from Nagaland University, Lumami, participated in the competition, while representatives from City Law College attended as observers, fostering academic exchange and collaboration among institutions.
Addressing the valedictory programme, Dr. KD Vizo, Principal Secretary, Department of Law & Justice, who attended as the special guest and observer, described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening legal education and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in Nagaland.
He appreciated the partnership between the department and Kohima Law College, stating that the competition provided a rigorous platform to connect classroom learning with practical advocacy.
Referring to the moot proposition, Dr. Vizo highlighted contemporary legal questions involving legislative authority, international treaties, regional autonomy and indigenous rights.
He particularly drew attention to Article 371A of the Constitution of India, which safeguards Naga customary laws, social practices and ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
He also referred to Article 21 and the need to balance commercial livelihoods, traditional practices and the fundamental right to a clean environment.
Commending the participants for engaging with complex legal issues, he urged aspiring lawyers to view advocacy as a responsibility rather than merely a means of winning arguments.
He emphasised that integrity, empathy, wisdom and commitment to protecting the vulnerable must guide the legal profession.
Mezivolu T Therie, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kohima, who served as one of the judges, congratulated the participants and appreciated the college's efforts in organising the competition.
Reflecting on the final round, she said effective advocacy depended not on the volume of words spoken but on clarity of reasoning and the ability to identify and address legal issues.
She stressed that courtroom confidence was built through thorough preparation and urged students to remain composed when questioned by judges, understand their case briefs and maintain professional courtesy and discipline.
Dr. Sentikumla, Assistant Professor, Nagaland University, also highlighted the importance of preparation, research and professional conduct.
She described moot court exercises as essential in preparing law students for actual courtroom proceedings.
She identified knowledge of law, depth of research, application of legal principles, responsiveness to questions from the bench, time management, originality and persuasiveness as key elements of effective advocacy.
Emphasising the importance of listening, she encouraged students to understand questions carefully and respond precisely.
She reminded them that advocates have a responsibility to assist the court in delivering justice and uphold the dignity and integrity of the legal institution.
The competition concluded with the announcement and felicitation of the winners. The third-semester team comprising Monglon H, Khekalu Jakhalu and Mharhutolu secured the first prize of INR 25,000.
Ketholeto Sopü of the fifth semester won the second prize of INR 5,000 and was also adjudged Best Speaker. Jinenle Wanth, also from the fifth semester, secured the third prize of INR 5,000 and received the Best Researcher award.
The competition featured a researcher test, preliminary rounds, semi-finals and a final round, followed by the valedictory session.
Its successful conclusion marked a milestone in Kohima Law College's efforts to promote practical legal education, academic excellence and professional development among aspiring lawyers in Nagaland.