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Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurated the world’s largest moot court, Nyayabyhasa Mandapam, at O P Jindal Global University. They also launched IMAANDAAR, the International Mooting Academy for Advocacy, Negotiation, Dispute Adjudication, Arbitration and Resolution. A commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the historic occasion.

The inauguration took place during the International Convention on Independence of Judiciary, Comparative Perspectives on Rights, Institutions and Citizens, which brought together more than 200 distinguished legal professionals from India and across the world. Two exceptional 13 judge benches, comprising serving and former Supreme Court judges, the Attorney General, the Solicitor General, senior advocates, policymakers and legal scholars, participated in the deliberations.

Across two days, the convention examined the role of judicial independence as a cornerstone of Indian democracy. Speakers discussed how constitutional safeguards ensure that the judiciary continues to function without interference, while remaining responsive to contemporary challenges.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice of India praised the establishment of the world’s largest moot court and noted that integrity forms the foundation of both the legal profession and the pursuit of justice. He reflected on the need to protect constitutional values in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, privacy concerns, misinformation and environmental challenges. He said that the strength of the Constitution lies in embracing change while preserving its foundational promises of dignity, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasised that constitutional faith is essential for protecting individual rights and preventing tyranny. He highlighted government initiatives to modernise the legal system, including the e Courts project and adoption of AI tools that can address language barriers and improve access to justice. He congratulated the university for naming the mooting academy IMAANDAAR, noting that it reflects the values of honesty and commitment.

Messages of appreciation from the President of India and the Vice President of India added significance to the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his message, said that the convention provides a valuable opportunity for renowned jurists to interact with young law students. He stressed that building a passion for justice among youth will strengthen democratic values and help ensure ease of justice for all citizens.

Chancellor Naveen Jindal welcomed the dignitaries and observed that judicial independence derives its strength from citizens’ trust in the courts. He said that universities must prepare future leaders of the legal profession and serve as laboratories of democracy where ideas and values are shaped and tested.

Vice Chancellor Professor C Raj Kumar stated that establishing the world’s largest moot court reaffirms the university’s commitment to advancing legal education. He recalled that the campus already houses India’s first Constitution Museum, inaugurated in 2024, and said that IMAANDAAR will expand opportunities for professional training in advocacy and dispute resolution.

The convention featured a special enactment of the historic Kesavananda Bharati case by senior legal figures, followed by reflections from a 13 judge bench on its continuing legacy. The basic structure doctrine, affirmed through the Kesavananda Bharati judgment of 1973, formed a central theme in the discussions.

On the second day, another 13 judge bench, comprising serving and former judges of the Supreme Court of India, presided over a moot court presentation by students of Jindal Global Law School. Academic sessions highlighted the evolution of the Supreme Court and examined the jurisprudential basis of the Kesavananda Bharati verdict.

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The event concluded with an address by Professor Dipika Jain introducing Jindal Global Law School, and a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar of O P Jindal Global University.