GITAM Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi Moot Court: Symbiosis Pune Wins 7th Competition

• Symbiosis Law School, Pune, emerged as the winner of the 7th Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi Moot Court Competition.
• The GITAM School of Law hosted the national-level competition from October 7 to 10, 2026, involving 33 teams and approximately 100 students.
• The criminal law proposition focused on homicidal death determination using medical and toxicological evidence, alongside the admissibility of electronic and circumstantial evidence.
• The event featured distinguished legal personalities, including a former Supreme Court Judge and a High Court Judge, who delivered key addresses.
• Dignitaries emphasized the importance of continuous learning, social responsibility, and empathy in the legal profession for aspiring lawyers.

Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao, while commemorating Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi, underscored that law is a learned profession demanding dedication and ongoing development.

Symbiosis Law School, Pune, secured the top position in the 7th Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi Moot Court Competition. This national-level event was meticulously organized by the GITAM School of Law, part of GITAM (Deemed to be University), and took place over four days, from October 7 to 10, 2026.

The competition attracted a significant turnout, with 33 teams comprising approximately 100 students from various prestigious institutions across India. Participants hailed from National Law Universities, state universities, deemed universities, and affiliated colleges, all converging to demonstrate their proficiency in advocacy, legal research, and analytical reasoning.

The core of the competition revolved around a complex criminal law moot court proposition designed to test the participants' understanding of intricate legal issues. This year's problem specifically delved into critical questions concerning the determination of homicidal death, particularly when relying on medical and toxicological evidence.

Further issues explored within the proposition included the admissibility of electronic evidence and circumstantial evidence in criminal proceedings, alongside an examination of the legality of the accused's arrest. Students were tasked with presenting their arguments by applying legal principles under the recently enacted criminal laws, addressing intricate factual and evidentiary scenarios presented in the problem.

The event commenced on October 7 with an inauguration presided over by Justice C.T. Ravi Kumar, a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. The final round and subsequent valedictory ceremony, held on October 10, featured Hon'ble Dr. Justice Y. Lakshmana Rao, a Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati, as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao, Vice-Chancellor of India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa, and Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor of Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur. Prof. (Dr.) Y. Gouthama Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor of GITAM (Deemed to be University)'s Visakhapatnam Campus, also attended the occasion. Additionally, Adv. Vydyula Ravindra Prasad, Senior Advocate and Former President of the Bar Association of Visakhapatnam, along with Prof. Dr. Nandini CP, Professor of Law at DSNLU, presided over one of the sessions.

Throughout the competition, several dignitaries shared insights on legal education and professional development. Prof. (Dr.) Y. Gouthama Rao likened the moot court experience to a Hollywood thriller, emphasizing that both success and setbacks contribute to learning and personal growth. He also stressed the crucial role of law schools in preparing future legal professionals and the importance of balancing career achievements with social responsibility. Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha highlighted the necessity of continuous learning and meticulous preparation within the legal field, acknowledging the significant effort involved in drafting memorials and preparing for such competitions. He encouraged students to maintain their commitment and pursue their aspirations with perseverance.

Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao, while commemorating Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi, underscored that law is a learned profession demanding dedication and ongoing development. He affirmed the value of moot court competitions in legal education and advocated for a more humane legal profession grounded in empathy and compassion, quoting Mahatma Gandhi's assertion that "the highest court is the court of conscience." Hon'ble Dr. Justice Y. Lakshmana Rao further emphasized the significance of socio-legal analysis and the social responsibilities inherent in the legal profession, urging students to actively participate in moot courts, engage in classroom learning, and cultivate respect.

This article reports on a student moot court competition and does not contain any direct practical implications for practicing lawyers or compliance officers regarding new legal developments, compliance obligations, or precedents.

Source: Original reporting via GITAM School of Law press release