SURANA & SURANA AND SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW,

TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

NATIONAL TRIAL ADVOCACY MOOT COURT COMPETITION 2024

RULES & REGULATIONS

I. Aim and Purpose

a. The “Surana & Surana and School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr.
Ambedkar Law University National Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition 2024”
has been conceived with the aim of promoting skills of trial advocacy.
b. The Moot Court Association of the School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr.
Ambedkar Law University in collaboration with Surana & Surana International Attorneys is
hosting this competition, in accordance with the procedures established by the Bharatiya
Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya
Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
c. The Competition has been designed with the objective of promoting and aiding in the
understanding of Criminal Law Jurisprudence and facilitating the growth of advocacy skills,
thereby advancing the cause of justice in the field of Criminal Law.
d. The “Surana & Surana and School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar
Law University National Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition 2024” is scheduled to be
held in two phases, Procedural Test and Oral Rounds. The former will be conducted via
an Online platform, and the later shall be held on premises at the campus of SOEL,
Chennai.
e. The purpose of organizing the “Surana & Surana and School of Excellence in Law, The
Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University National Trial Advocacy Moot Court
Competition 2024” is to :
• Help participants in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of the
Indian Criminal Justice System.
• Provide a realistic simulation of trial proceedings based on the Indian Criminal Justice
System.
• Enhance participants’ knowledge and comprehension of the distinct roles, strategies,
and techniques employed by the Office of the Prosecution and the Defense.
• Promote the development of analytical and argumentative skills, as well as effective

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 presentation and utilization of evidence within the framework of the Indian Criminal
Justice System.
II. Language
The competition shall be in English.
III. Dress Code
Advocates attire
The dress code for the competition shall be strictly formals (without College and University
logo). Dress code shall be Advocate’s Attire during the rounds of the competition, i.e.:
i. Gentlemen - Black trousers and White shirt, Plain Black Blazer (without College/
University logo), Black Tie.
ii. Ladies - Black trousers, White Shirt, White Kurta and Black Churidar pants, Plain
Black Blazer, white or Black saree and black jacket (without College/University
logo).
The participating teams shall also adhere to the above-mentioned dress code while attending
the inaugural and valedictory ceremonies of the Competition. Robes and neck bands are not
permitted.
IV. Eligibility
Participants should be currently pursuing their bachelor’s degree in law i.e. 3 Year LL.B.
program or 5 Year LL.B. program.
V. Team Composition
a. Each team shall consist of a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 members. This number
cannot be modified under any circumstances.
b. There can be 2 speakers and 2 researchers designated for each team.
c. Teams have the option of designating two of its members to be speakers for the
Prosecution and the other two speakers for the Defence. The team shall notify such an
arrangement before the commencement of the round to the court assistants. Such a team
shall not, during any stage of the competition, rearrange the position of its members to
form any new combination.
d. Each team will be provided with a unique Competition code by draw of lots during the
orientation. The identity of the teams shall not be disclosed at any stage, such disclosure
shall invite penalties including disqualification. The decision for the same shall be at the
discretion of the Administrator.

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VI. Venue & Date

Date Event Platform / Venue

10th August, 2024 Procedural Test Virtual Mode (Google Meet)

School of Excellence in Law, The

Inaugural, Orientation, Oral Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law
23rd - 25th August, University, Perungudi Campus, MGR
Competition Rounds, Valedictory Salai, Perungudi, Chennai 600 113
2024
Ceremony & Prize distribution
Landmark : near Taramani (MRTS)
Railway Station

VII. Registration
a. The teams must register online at www.moot.in by 14th August, 2024.
b. Online registrations will be open from 17th July 2024. Participants will receive an
acknowledgement cum approval as confirmation of their online registration &
participation periodically after registration
c. A scanned copy of the letter from the participating college/ institution / university duly
signed by any one of the following:- Faculty-in-charge of MCS / MCA, Registrar,
Principal, Dean, Director, Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor confirming the names of the
participants, Year / semester in which studying, representing the college/ institution /
university for the moot competition will have to be attached during the online
registration process (The approval letter shall be formatted on the letterhead of the
participating institution/college/university. Alternatively, you may use the registration
form itself as appended below)
d. Registrations without the scanned copy of the approval letter from the
college/institution/ university or duly attested registration form will not be valid
e. Once online registration is done no change in names will be possible. However, in
exceptional circumstances if a change in name is inevitable a fresh online registration
has to be made along with a scanned copy of the approval letter from the
college/institution/ university or duly attested registration form clearly explaining the
reasons for the change and with authorised signatory & seal of the college/ institution /
university.
f. Only the Top 18 teams who have qualified the PROCEDURAL TEST phase shall
be eligible for the Oral Rounds of the Competition.

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 The participants are required to
(i) email the soft copy of the approval letter by 16th August 2024 to,
[email protected] marked as “Surana & Surana and School of
Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University National Trial
Advocacy Moot Court Competition 2024 – Registration” as the subject.

VIII. Registration Fee

a. A two-tiered Registration fee structure shall apply to the Competition
b. All teams wishing to participate in the Competition shall be required to pay a base
registration fee of Rs. 2,000 (Rupees Two Thousand Only) on or before 8th August,
2024.
c. The eighteen (18) teams qualifying for the Oral rounds of the Competition shall be
subject to an additional fee of Rs. 1,500 (Rupees One Thousand Five Hundred
Only) on or before 16th August, 2024.
d. The Registration Fee is to be paid through NEFT to the below mentioned account:
Account Name : Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University Moot Court Association
Account Number : 67104604033
Name of the Bank : State Bank of India
Branch Name : PNSB Branch Raja Annamalaipuram
IFSC Code : SBIN0070688
Branch Code : 70688
e. Fee once paid will not be refunded
f. The payment reference number and date of payment must be mentioned and a scanned
copy of the payment receipt also have to be attached and sent to
[email protected]. Only then will the registration be deemed to be
complete.

IX. Rounds

There shall be Two Phases of Competition Rounds,

A. PHASE I : Procedural Test Phase
B. PHASE II : Oral Rounds Phase
The teams which qualify PHASE – I only can advance to PHASE – II.

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 Phase I : Procedural Test Phase

This shall be a Qualifying cum Eliminating Test to select the teams which are theoretically
competent in the Criminal Law Jurisprudence.
a. The Test shall be conducted Virtually.
b. The format of the test shall be as follows
i. Type - Objective & Descriptive
ii. Number of Questions - 25
iii. Marks - 50
iv. Time - 30 Minutes
c. The Attendee of the Test shall be any one of the Team Members as marked in the
Registration Form and can be decided at the discretion of the teams. However, any
attempt to change the attendee at the midst of the test or request to do so shall not be
entertained.
d. Google Forms shall be used to conduct this test with proctor monitors appointed by the
Administrators. Every 5 teams shall be administered by a Proctor Monitor on call who
is vested with the power and duty to ensure that the team does not engage itself in any
UFM (Unfair Means) during the test.
e. UFM shall include the following but is not restricted to:
i. Resorting or attempting to refer any material during the test1.
ii. Seeking any help from a person who is not an attendee of the test2.
iii. Turning off the camera for more than 3 seconds3.
f. The Attendee should stay on the Google Meet with their Camera turned on.
g. There shall be Negative Marking in the test.
h. Scores of the Test shall be communicated through Mail within 24-48 Hours of the Test.
i. Only the Top 18 Teams of this test shall advance to the next phase of the competition.
j. In case if any teams of the Qualifying - 18 backs out or expresses their interest not to
appear in PHASE II Rounds, the team adjacent to the finally qualifying team shall be
reached out to, to fill in their vacancy.

Phase II : Oral Rounds

1
The Team shall be warned every time through the Chat Box in the Meet if it violates the impugned clause.
2
Ibid.
3
Violation of the impugned rule more than 3 times shall lead to immediate disqualification of the team.
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 There will be two preliminary rounds of arguments, a quarterfinal, a semifinal and a final
round. The organizers reserve the right to amend the schedule / rounds as per the number of
participating teams.

Preliminary Rounds & Quarter Finals :

a. There will be two preliminary rounds of arguments per team, once for Prosecution &
another for Defence.
b. No team will face each other more than once in the preliminary rounds.
c. Each team will face a different two-judge bench in their second round of arguments.
d. Preliminary rounds I, II and Quarter Finals will be held on 24th August, 2024
(Saturday).
e. Top eight teams from the Preliminary Rounds will advance to the Quarter final rounds.
Preliminary rounds will be decided on
• Win points
• Win points + Aggregate raw points
• Win points + Aggregate raw points (in case of tie minus memorial marks)
NB: Aggregate raw points = oral scores + memorial score.
f. Memorial marks will be added to the scores of the preliminary round only.

Semifinal Round / Final Round:

a. Draw of lots/ Power match will decide the side of the arguments in Quarterfinals,
Semifinals & Finals. The Quarterfinal / Semifinal are knockout rounds.
b. The Semifinal & Finals will be held on 25th August 2024

X. Recording of evidence
The team members should take notes of the question and answers during chief / cross
examinations.

XI. Results
Results will be announced within 30 minutes after the full completion of the respective
Preliminary / Quarter / Semifinal rounds. The Final result and the winners of the various
categories will be announced only during the valediction / prize distribution ceremony.

XII. Memorials
The following requirements for memorials must be strictly followed. Non-conformities will
be penalized:
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a. Each team must prepare memorials for both parties to the dispute (Prosecution and
Defence).
b. Each team must also prepare all the documents that are required to Prosecute / Defend
as suggested in the Proposition (Case). This is a part of the memorial. Judges will refer
to this while evaluating the team’s performance. This will also be used by the opposing
teams for counter arguments.
c. Once the memorials have been submitted, no revisions, supplements, or additions will
be allowed.
d. The soft copy of the Memorials for the Prosecution / and the Defence should be mailed
to [email protected] with copy to [email protected] on or before
20th August 2024 latest by 5:00PM.
e. The Soft copy and the Hard copy of the memorial submitted shall be the same and
identical in all aspects. If any change is found, then the memorial shall be rejected and
no marks shall be awarded.
f. The teams are requested to carry along 5 copies from each side of the Memorials with
them and submit the same during Registration on 23rd August 2024. The participants
should mention their Competition code only on the hard copy of the memorials.
g. The memorials must contain:
• The table of contents
• The index of authorities
• The statement of jurisdiction
• The statement of facts (1 page only and argumentative statement of facts would
attract penalties)
• The statement of charges
• The summary of arguments (not more than 1 page)
• The arguments advanced (not more than 15 pages)
• The prayer
h. The font size should be Times New Roman 12 (one & half space) and for footnotes
it should be Times New Roman 10 (single space) & double space between two
footnotes. Substantive Footnoting is strictly prohibited, Citation method - The
Bluebook / Harvard Law Review, 20th edition. / ILI / A Uniform System of Citation.
i. The memorial must have a margin measuring one inch on all sides of each page
j. Page numbering should be on the top right side of each page.

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 k. Covers must be placed on briefs as follows:
Prosecution: Light Blue Color, Defence: Light Red Color.
l. The cover page of Memorials must state the following
• Team code (on the top right corner)
• The cause title
• Identity of brief as Prosecution or Defence.
m. Identity of the institution shall not be revealed anywhere in the memorial. Violation
of this provision shall result in penalties including disqualification. The National
Administrator’s decision shall be final.
n. The teams may share a separate paper book (compendium) of not more than 50
pages, which will carry all the annexure and case laws that have been referred to in
the memorial. The paper book will have a white cover.

XIII. Oral Rounds

General Rules
a. Exhibits of the case are already before the Honorable Court.
b. Minimum no. of witnesses to be examined upon will be disclosed during the
orientation.
c. Teams may examine all or the minimum prescribed number of the witnesses, within the
time allotted to them.
d. Teams should, before the commencement of a round, notify the court officers, as to
which of the witnesses they would examine in the course of the trial.

Preliminary Rounds & Quarter Finals

a. The host institution will provide the witnesses. The witnesses will be generally briefed
and assigned by the administrator. However each team will have an opportunity to
specifically brief their witnesses. The witnesses to be briefed will be assigned to each
team an hour prior to the commencement of the respective round.
b. Each team will get a total of 45 minutes to present their case. Every minute of extra
time will attract automatic penalties for the speaker crossing the limit.
c. The rounds would be divided among the following stages/sequence:
• Opening statement by the Prosecution - 5 minutes
• Opening statement by the Defence - 5 minutes
• Examination in Chief by the Prosecution - 12 minutes

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 • Cross Examination by the Defence - 20 minutes
• Examination in Chief by the Defence - 12 minutes
• Cross Examination by the Prosecution - 20 minutes
• Closing statement by the Prosecution - 8 minutes
• Closing statement by the Defence - 8 minutes
The allotted time for each segment is the maximum that the respective speaker can avail
of.
d. Each of the speakers shall conduct either the chief or the cross-examination and deliver
either the opening or closing statement. Therefore, each speaker shall compulsorily
conduct an examination and deliver either the opening or closing statement. The order
of speakers and the examination and statements they would present, is to be intimated
by the teams before the commencement of the rounds and cannot be altered at any
subsequent stage.
e. The oral arguments need not be confined to issues presented in the memorials.

Semi-final Rounds
a. Each team will get a total of 55 minutes to present their case.
b. The division of time shall be as follows:
• Opening statement by the Prosecution - 5 minutes
• Opening statement by the Defence - 5 minutes
• Examination in Chief by the Prosecution - 15 minutes
• Cross Examination by the Defence - 25 minutes
• Examination in Chief by the Defence - 15 minutes
• Cross Examination by the Prosecution - 25 minutes
• Closing statement by the Prosecution - 10 minutes
• Closing statement by the Defence - 10 minutes
The allotted time for each segment is the maximum that the respective speaker can avail
of.
c. Each of the speakers shall conduct either the chief or the cross-examination and deliver
either the opening or closing statement. Therefore, each speaker shall compulsorily
conduct an examination and deliver either the opening or closing statement. The order
of speakers and the examination and statements they would handle (chief / cross /
opening / closing), is to be intimated by the teams after the announcement of the

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 preliminary round results and cannot be altered at any subsequent stage of the
competition.
d. This will be a knockout round.

Final Round
a. Each team will get a total of 55 minutes to present their case.
b. The division of time shall be the same as that followed in the semifinals.

XIV. Scouting
a. Teams will not be allowed to observe the orals of any other teams. Scouting is strictly
prohibited. Scouting by any of the teams will result in disqualification.
b. Any team can file a written complaint with the Administrator, regarding a case of
scouting. The Administrator’s decision will be final.
c. The researchers shall sit with the speakers at the time of the orals and shall not attend the
court sessions of any other team participating in the competition.

XV. Scoring
Memorials scores will be added to the oral scores obtained by the participants in
Preliminary Rounds only.
A. Orals
Parameters for judging, on a scale of 0 - 100 points are:
a. Knowledge of facts
b. Logic, reasoning and clarity articulate and systematic analysis of the issues arising
out of facts,
c. Persuasiveness & deference to court
d. Understanding of the laws of evidence and procedure
e. Ability to successfully conduct chief / cross examinations in allotted time
f. Ability to elicit favorable facts from witnesses
g. Ingenuity (ability to argue by analogy) & innovate

B. Written Submissions (Memorials)

a. Any revisions, supplements or additions to the memorials after submission shall
attract severe penalties subject to the discretion of the Administrator
b. Parameters for judging on a scale of 0 - 100 points are

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 • Originality in analysis of issues
• Logical progression of ideas & clear, precise and unambiguous writing style
• Proper and articulate analysis of strengths and weakness of the case
• Understanding of the legal principles directly applicable to the issues
• Presentation of arguments with appropriate citations
• Variety & depth of research (new points and unique interpretation of fact/law)
c. Non- compliance of rules mentioned in Clause X shall attract penalties for each non-
conformity.

XIV. Awards
a. Trial Advocacy Team of the Year Award - A Plaque and cash prize of Rs. 40,000/- only
b. Second Best Team of the Year Award - A Plaque and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000/- only
c. Trial Advocate of the year Award - A Plaque and cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- only
d. Second Best Trial Advocate - A Plaque and cash prize of Rs. 5,000/- only
e. Best Memorial Award - A Plaque and cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- only
f. Second Best Memorial Award - A Plaque and cash prize of Rs. 5,000/- only
In addition to the above awards & plaques, Certificates are given to all above categories
& participants of the Competition.

XV. Announcements
• The results of the Preliminary Rounds will be announced shortly after both the
rounds are completed
• The results of the Quarterfinal & Semi-Finals Rounds will be announced shortly
after the rounds are completed
• The winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony of the Competition

XVI. Anonymity
a. The Student counsel may introduce him/herself to the court in the usual manner and
may also state their names. However, the team's college affiliation shall not be
indicated to the judges at any time.
b. Further, all team members, coaches, advisors, and observers shall refrain from
identifying a team’s college at any time and in any manner, including, but not
limited to, wearing any identifying items (such as college clothing, ties, patches or

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 pins) or carrying identifying material (such as a book with a college logo or college
seal etc.)

XVII. Live Streaming of the Finals

The organisers will arrange for the live streaming of only the finals of the competition
thru the YouTube & Instagram, links be provided by Surana & Surana.

XVIII. Copyright
a. The copyright over the memorials submitted for participation in the competition is
assigned by participants and shall also vest completely and fully in, SOEL, Chennai and
Surana & Surana International Attorneys, Chennai. The participants shall certify in
writing the originality of materials contained therein and shall be responsible for any
claim or dispute arising out of the further use and exhibition of these materials.
b. Further use and exhibition of these materials, electronically or otherwise, shall be the
exclusive right of Surana & Surana International Attorneys, Chennai and SOEL,
Chennai, and they shall not be responsible for any liability to any person for any loss
caused by errors or omissions in this collection of information, or for the accuracy,
completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in these materials.
c. Distribution of these materials in print or on affiliated websites such as www.moot.in
and other platforms by Surana & Surana does not constitute consent to any use of this
material for commercial redistribution either via the Internet or using some other form
of hypertext distribution. Links to the collection or individual pages in it are welcome.

XIV. Accommodation and Transport

a. Accommodation will be provided by School of Excellence in Law, Chennai, only
during the period of competition i.e., 23rd August, 2024 (12: 00 PM IST) till 25th
August, 2024 (05:00 PM IST).
b. Accommodation for the Competition will be available on an individual basis. Each
individual participant opting for accommodation shall be required to pay a fee of
₹1,000 (Rupees One Thousand Only) per night.
c. The accommodation fee is non-refundable.
d. The name and mobile number of the student volunteers in charge of transport /
accommodation will also be made available after finalization. Teams should fill in their
travel plan in the sheet available on ANNEXURE B positively to reach the scanned

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 copy by 5.00 PM on 15th August 2024 via email to
[email protected]
e. Separate sleeping arrangements for boys & girls shall be strictly enforced in the
allocated rooms. However, common areas will be available for all participants to utilize
for preparation purposes.
f. To facilitate convenient travel, shuttle services will be provided to transport participants
between their designated accommodation and the college campus. The specific
schedule and pick-up/drop-off locations for the shuttle services will be communicated
to registered participants closer to the competition date.
g. Extra members over and above the prescribed number will not be entertained and
accommodated under any circumstances.
h. Misbehaviour of any sort by the participants will be dealt very seriously and will lead to
disqualification.

XV. Queries & Clarification

Queries to the Moot Proposition shall be sought by sending an e-mail to
[email protected] with Cc to [email protected] on or before 12th August
2024. A set of Final Clarifications will be released on 14th August 2024.

XVI. Contact Details

Regarding Registration

• Mr. A. D. Johnson Christy,

Manager - Special Projects
Academic Initiatives & Dispute Resolution
Surana & Surana International Attorneys
Email: [email protected]

• Miss H N Shree Harini,

President, Moot Court Association, SOEL
Phone: +91 7358236570

For any other Queries

• Dr. P. Brinda,
Faculty Co-Ordinator, Moot Court Association, SOEL
Phone: +91 9003066025
Email: [email protected]

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 • Miss Donna Gadiel
Vice President, Moot Court Association, SOEL
Phone: +91 6379014898

• Mr Surya S P
General Secretary, Moot Court Association, SOEL
Phone: +91 9345825458

IMPORTANT DATES

Start of Provisional & Online Registration 17th July, 2024

Closing of Provisional Registration 7th August, 2024

Procedural Test (Virtual Mode) 10th August, 2024

Release of Results for Procedural Test 12th August, 2024

Last date for seeking Clarification to the case 12th August, 2024

Last date for Online Registration 14th August, 2024

Release of Clarifications 14th August, 2024

Payment of Registration & Accommodation Fee 16th August, 2024

Last Date for submission of Travel Plans 15th August, 2024

Last Date for Submission of Memorials (both

Prosecution and Defence) 20th August, 2024
Soft Copy by eMail with temporary Team code

Orientation, Draw of Lots, Exchange of Memorial 23rd August, 2024

Submission of Memorials 5 (Five) hard copies

(both Prosecution and Defence) 23rd August, 2024
(No markings, Competition code to be mentioned)

Prelims I & II and Quarterfinals 24th August, 2024

Semifinals, Finals, Valedictory & Prize Distribution 25th August, 2024

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 Date:

Registration form/ Approval letter

(Please fill in capital letters)
Undertaking

1. We hereby state that our participation complies with the rules and regulations of the
competition.

2. We certify that the materials submitted/to be submitted are prepared by us and agree
to indemnify the organizers, i.e. the Surana & Surana International Attorneys,
Chennai and the School of Excellence in Law, Chennai for any claim or dispute
arising out of the further use and exhibition of these materials.

(All particulars must be given)

Name & Address of the participating Institution:

Name of the
Gender Course Year Signature
Participant

Primary Email id and Contact number

Seal & signature of the

Head of the Institution

PROCEDURAL TEST ATTENDEE DETAILS (OUT OF THE PARTICIPANTS)

1) Name of the Attendee : _______________________________
2) Email ID of the Attendee : _______________________________
(Test Link and Meeting Credentials shall be only shared to this Email ID)

Duly filled, sealed & signed soft copy of the Registration form should be sent by eMail :
th
[email protected] by 16 August 2024. The subject of the email must be “Surana &
Surana and SOEL National Trial Advocacy Moot Court Competition - Registration”.

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 Travel Plan(Annexure B)
NAME OF INSTITUTION –
TEAM CODE -

ARRIVAL DETAILS

a. Mode of Arrival: Train / Air / Bus

b. Train No./Bus No./Flight No.

c. Estimated Time of Arrival

DEPARTURE DETAILS

a. Mode of Arrival: Train / Air / Bus

b. Train No./Bus No./Flight No.

c. Estimated Time of Departure

ANY OTHER DETAILS:

SIGNATURE AND SEAL OF THE HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION

NOTE: This travel form should be mailed at [email protected] by 05:00 PM

IST on/before 15th August 2024

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