HNLU Crowned National Champions At India Qualifying Rounds Of Jessup Moot 2026

Competing in a highly competitive field of 65 premier law schools from across India, HNLU advanced to the Top 9 qualifying teams and ultimately secured the Championship Title — a moment of immense pride and distinction for the University. This landmark victory reaffirms HNLU's long-standing tradition of excellence in mooting and public international law.

🏅 The Winning Team

• Gurnish – 5th Year

• Kushika Kumari – 4th Year

• Anahita Panda – 3rd Year

• Kashish Malhotra – 2nd Year

With this remarkable triumph, the HNLU team has earned the honour of representing India at the World Rounds in Washington, D.C., where they will compete against leading law schools from across the globe.

Prof. V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, remarked that HNLU continues to establish itself as a frontline mooting institution in national and international competitions. He noted that qualifying for the World Rounds for the second time in recent years is a highly motivating achievement for aspiring mooters. He also highlighted the University's innovative academic initiatives, including the moot clinic model, which has expanded student participation and strengthened advocacy skills. He congratulated Dr. Anindhya Tiwari, Faculty Convenor of moots, and his team for their dedicated mentorship, and applauded the winning team for bringing laurels to the University.

⚖ About the 2026 Jessup Problem

The 2026 Jessup moot proposition, Case Concerning the Gordian Gorge between Alekostria and Restovia, raised complex and contemporary issues of public international law, including:

• Permissibility of intervention by a non-party state, Sollania

• The doctrine of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples in extractive activities

• Recognition of ne bis in idem as a general principle under Article 38(1)(c) of the International Court of Justice Statute

• Grant of state immunity to state-owned enterprises

The team demonstrated exceptional command over international jurisprudence, doctrinal nuance, and courtroom advocacy, impressing judges with analytical depth and persuasive submissions.

🎓 A Testament to Excellence

This achievement reflects:

• The team's relentless dedication and intellectual rigour

• Strategic mentorship and academic guidance by faculty

• HNLU's sustained institutional commitment to mooting excellence