Dignitaries with participates of 1st All Nagaland Moot Court Competition 2026 in Kohima on November 6.
Kohima, November 8 (MExN): Kohima Law College, in collaboration with the Department of Law & Justice, Government of Nagaland, organised the 1st All Nagaland Moot Court Competition 2026 on November 6 at the Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima.
The inaugural competition brought together aspiring legal professionals from different institutions, providing a platform to demonstrate legal knowledge, research abilities, advocacy skills and courtroom presentation.
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 build confidence in presenting submissions before a judicial bench.
The third semester team of Monglon H, Khekalu Jakhalu and Mharhutolu won first place and a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
Ketholeto Sophie of the fifth semester received the second prize of Rs 5,000 and was recognised as Best Speaker.
Jinenle Wanth of the fifth semester received the third prize of Rs 5,000 and was recognised as Best Researcher.
Students from Kohima Law College and LL.M. students from Nagaland University, Lumami, participated. Representatives from City Law College attended as observers.
Strengthening legal education
Addressing the valedictory session, Dr KD Vizo, ITS, Principal Secretary, Department of Law & Justice, Government of Nagaland, described the inaugural competition as an important initiative to strengthen legal education and develop the next generation of legal professionals in Nagaland.
He appreciated the partnership between the Department of Law & Justice and Kohima Law College, noting that it was intended to create a rigorous platform connecting classroom instruction with practical advocacy.
Highlighting the legal issues in the moot proposition, he referred to contemporary questions concerning legislative authority, international treaties, regional autonomy and indigenous rights.
He drew attention to Article 371A of the Constitution of India, which provides special constitutional protection to Naga customary laws, social practices, and the ownership and transfer of land and its resources. He also referred to Article 21 and the importance of balancing commercial livelihoods, traditional practices and the fundamental right to a clean environment.
Dr Vizo commended the participants for engaging with complex legal questions and presenting arguments with intellectual discipline and an understanding of Nagaland's unique socio-cultural and constitutional context.
He encouraged students to view advocacy as a responsibility rather than merely an instrument for winning arguments, emphasising that the legal profession must be guided by integrity, empathy, wisdom and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable and upholding the rule of law. He assured continued support from the Department of Law & Justice for initiatives that promote professional standards in the state.
‘Moot court exercises are essential’
Mezivolu T Therie, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kohima, emphasised that effective advocacy depends not on the volume of words spoken but on clarity of reasoning and the ability to identify and address legal issues.
She stressed the importance of thorough preparation, explaining that confidence in the courtroom is built long before an advocate enters it. She highlighted the need for legal practitioners to remain composed when questioned by judges, possess a thorough understanding of their case briefs, and maintain professional courtesy and discipline. She reminded aspiring lawyers that advocates are not merely expected to win arguments but must assist the court in the pursuit of justice and uphold the rule of law.
Dr Sentikumla, Assistant Professor, Nagaland University, Lumami, emphasised the importance of preparation, research and professional conduct in the legal profession. Drawing from her observations of the competition, she noted that moot court exercises are essential in preparing law students for actual courtroom proceedings. She highlighted key aspects of advocacy, including knowledge of law, depth of research, application of legal principles to facts, responsiveness to questions from the bench, courtroom management, time management, originality and persuasiveness. She advised aspiring lawyers never to compromise on preparation and to maintain composure even when confronted with difficult questions in court. Emphasising professional responsibility, she reminded students that advocates have a duty to assist the court in arriving at just decisions and must uphold the dignity and integrity of the institution.
Student coordinator Nyitso Therie, along with student co-coordinators Khriezonuo Mechieo, Nzanbeni E Kikon, Thejanuo Sokrano, Jinenle Wanth, Khekalu Jakhalu, Alebou Zumu, Vijobi A Sangtam, Zakievior Keyho, Thejazhazo Medom, Sara Munir Choudhury, Atsali L Sangtam, Tiarenba Longkumer and Olina Kinimi, contributed to the successful execution of the event.
The programme was chaired by Kethovelu Resu, Assistant Professor, Kohima Law College, while the welcome address was delivered by Kekhriesilie Richa, Assistant Professor and Convener of the organising committee. The keynote address was delivered by Moasenla, Principal, Kohima Law College. It concluded with a vote of thanks by Teisozelhou Beio, Assistant Professor and Organising Secretary.
