NLSIU: Wins 2026 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot World Finals

• A team from NLSIU Bengaluru won the world finals of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition 2026.
• The winning team members were Anandita Pande, Nikhilesh Mukherjee, and Shreya Rajesh.
• This victory marks NLSIU's fourth title in the competition, with previous wins in 2009, 2012, and 2017.
• It is the first time in six years that an Indian team has won the competition, following NLU Delhi's win in 2020.
• The 35th edition's final, held in Antalya, Turkey, was judged by three sitting International Court of Justice judges.

The involvement of such high-ranking international jurists not only significantly elevates the prestige of the moot court but also provides the participants with the unique and invaluable opportunity to present their complex legal arguments before some of the world's foremost legal minds in public international law.

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone, clinching the world finals of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition 2026. This prestigious international contest saw the Indian institution emerge victorious, marking a notable accomplishment in the specialized and evolving field of space law. The NLSIU team, comprising Anandita Pande, Nikhilesh Mukherjee, and Shreya Rajesh, demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and advocacy skills throughout the rigorous competition, ultimately securing the coveted global title.

Their path to the world championship began with a strong performance in the Asia-Pacific regional rounds, which they won in April, thereby securing their place among the elite global contenders. The final showdown of the 35th edition of the competition took place in Antalya, Turkey, a location that also hosted the 77th International Astronautical Congress, a major event in the global space community. In the decisive round, NLSIU faced off against NYU School of Law, which entered the finals as the defending champion, making NLSIU's hard-fought victory even more commendable and a testament to their preparation.

This latest triumph for NLSIU at the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot 2026 represents a significant moment for Indian legal education on the international stage, particularly in the niche area of space law. It has been six years since an Indian team last secured the top position in this global competition, with National Law University (NLU) Delhi previously achieving this feat in 2020. NLSIU's consistent excellence in this specialized area of law is further highlighted by its impressive and growing track record of success in the competition.

The Bengaluru-based institution has now claimed its fourth title in the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in this domain. Prior to this 2026 victory, NLSIU had previously won the world finals in 2009, followed by subsequent wins in 2012 and 2017. This remarkable pattern of sustained success underscores NLSIU's deep commitment to and expertise in space law, consistently positioning it as a leading institution globally for legal scholarship and advocacy in this rapidly developing field.

Adding to the gravitas and academic rigor of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition 2026 world finals was the distinguished panel of judges. The final round was presided over by three sitting judges from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which stands as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Their esteemed presence underscored the high stakes and intellectual demands of the competition, providing an unparalleled and challenging experience for the student participants.

The esteemed panel included Judge Peter Tomka from Slovakia, Judge Dire Tladi representing South Africa, and Judge Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu from Romania. The involvement of such high-ranking international jurists not only significantly elevates the prestige of the moot court but also provides the participants with the unique and invaluable opportunity to present their complex legal arguments before some of the world's foremost legal minds in public international law. This composition of the bench ensures that the final decisions are rendered with the highest level of judicial scrutiny, expertise, and international legal perspective.

Source: Original reporting via legal news outlets