Law Centre II, University of Delhi Announces Smt. Sushma Swaraj Memorial National Parliamentary Debate 2026

Building upon the remarkable success of its inaugural edition held in March 2025, this prestigious national-level competition seeks to provide a rigorous and intellectually enriching platform for students across the country to engage in structured parliamentary discourse on issues of national importance.

In Honour of Smt. Sushma Swaraj

The competition is dedicated to the memory of Sushma Swaraj — an eminent lawyer, visionary leader, and one of India's most admired public figures. From becoming the youngest Cabinet Minister in Haryana at the age of 25 to serving as India's External Affairs Minister, her journey was marked by eloquence, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Fondly remembered as the “People's Minister” and often called the “Mother Teresa of Twitter,” she redefined public communication by blending empathy with efficiency. This debate, organized in her revered name, celebrates her belief in the power of words, reasoned dialogue, and principled leadership.

About Law Centre II

Established in 1971, Law Centre II is one of India's premier legal institutions, imparting quality legal education for over five decades. Located at Umang Bhawan, Chhatra Marg, the Centre serves nearly 3,000 students and is equipped with modern academic infrastructure.

The institution strongly emphasizes ethical legal education, research orientation, interdisciplinary inquiry, and social responsibility. Its distinguished alumni network includes judges, senior advocates, bureaucrats, academicians, and policymakers who continue to shape India's legal and governance landscape.

Debate and Discussion Society (DDS)

The Debate and Discussion Society functions as a vibrant forum fostering critical thinking, eloquence, and leadership. DDS has consistently organized national-level debates, seminars, conferences, and flagship initiatives including the National Model United Nations Conference and the National Debate Competition.

With the vision “Where Voices Shape Ideas, and Ideas Shape the Nation,” DDS remains committed to nurturing informed discourse and socially conscious leadership.

About the National Parliamentary Debate

A National Parliamentary Debate is more than a competition; it is a structured simulation of parliamentary-style deliberation where teams argue both for and against a given motion. It reflects democratic values by encouraging informed dissent, logical reasoning, constitutional analysis, and respectful engagement.

Participants are required to defend their stance through evidence, legal principles, policy reasoning, and persuasive articulation — preparing them to become future lawyers, policymakers, judges, and public intellectuals.

The Motion – Second Edition

“This House Believes That Accountability Through Punishment is Necessary to Address Juvenile Delinquency.”

The motion invites participants to critically examine juvenile justice in India — balancing reformative approaches with the need for accountability. The debate is expected to explore constitutional morality, criminological theories, legislative intent, and contemporary socio-legal challenges surrounding youth crime and justice systems.

Competition Structure

The competition follows a structured parliamentary format:

● Offline Preliminary Rounds – 32 teams (on First Come First serve basis) compete in two qualifying rounds, arguing both sides of the motion.

● Quarterfinals (Knockout) – Top 8 teams advance.

● Semifinals – Winners from Quarterfinals will compete.

● Final Round – Winners from Semifinals will face off for the championship title.

Each speaker is allotted 6 minutes + 1 minute for conclusion, followed by rebuttals and judicial questioning. Strict adherence to decorum, time limits, and parliamentary language is mandatory.

Marking & Evaluation

Participants will be assessed on:

● Content Quality

● Knowledge of Subject

● Confidence

● Command over Language

● Time Management

● Question Handling

● Dress Code & Conduct

Each member is marked out of 50, making a team total of 100 marks.

Awards & Recognition

The competition offers:

Winner Team – Trophy, Certificate & ₹7,000

Runner-Up Team – Trophy, Certificate & ₹5,000

Best Debater – Trophy, Certificate & ₹4,000

All participants will receive certificates during the Valedictory Ceremony.

Registration Details

● DU Students: ₹800 per team

● Non-DU Students: ₹944 per team (inclusive of GST)

● Maximum two teams per institution

● Entry on first-come, first-serve basis

Registrations Open: 15th January 2026

Deadline: 15th March 2026

Venue: Umang Bhawan, Law Centre II, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi

Organizing Committee

The event is convened under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Anupam Jha, Professor-in-Charge, with Prof. (Dr.) Vageshwari Deswal as Conference Convenor, supported by esteemed faculty advisory members and an extensive student organizing committee.

The Second Edition of the Smt. Sushma Swaraj Memorial National Parliamentary Debate promises to be a significant intellectual engagement — a space where constitutional values meet critical reasoning, and where young voices shape national discourse.

By encouraging rigorous argumentation, respectful disagreement, and principled advocacy, the platform aspires to cultivate future leaders who speak not merely to win, but to enlighten, reform, and inspire.

Contact and support

For any query or further information, please feel free to contact

AB Raja Choudhary (Student Convenor) +91 9864978914

Aditya shukla ( Student Co- Convenor) +91 77728 50326

Sarthak Arora (Student Co- Convenor) +91 96254 01101

Tulika Singh (Secretary) +91 9142653996

Sunny Mehta(Secretary) +91 9199348150

For more details, Click here for the brochure