The School of Law at Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, successfully organized the 8th Thiru. Isari Velan Memorial Moot Court Competition 2026 from March 12 to March 14, bringing together talented law students from across the country to showcase their legal research, advocacy, and courtroom argumentation skills.
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N. Mala, Judge of the Madras High Court and Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder- Chancellor of Vels University, presented awards to winners at the 8th Thiru. Isari Velan Memorial Moot Court Competition
The prestigious national-level moot court competition witnessed participation from 22 teams representing prominent law colleges across India, reaffirming VELS University’s commitment to promoting excellence in legal education and advocacy training.
The competition was inaugurated by A. Kulasekaran, former Judge of the Madras High Court, who encouraged students to cultivate strong legal reasoning, analytical thinking, and persuasive advocacy skills to succeed in the legal profession.
The final round, held on March 14, was presided over by N. Mala, Judge of the Madras High Court, along with R. Srinivasan, Professor at Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University.
Prof. Dr. S. Ambika Kumari, Dean of the Vels School of Law, presented the annual report and explained the rules and structure of the competition. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. T. Sasipraba Vice Chancellor VISTAS, who greeted the distinguished guests, faculty members, and student participants.
At the prize distribution ceremony, Dr. Ishari K Ganesh, Founder – Chancellor Vels University & Chairman Vels Group of Institutions & Companies, delivered the presidential address and distributed prizes to the winners.
In his speech, he remarked that law has always been very close to his heart and expressed pride in identifying himself as a lawyer in addition to being an educationist. He advised students to continuously develop their advocacy skills and legal knowledge to excel in the profession.
Dr. Ishari K Ganesh, Founder – Chancellor Vels University & Chairman Vels Group of Institutions & Companies also announced that from 2027 onwards the first prize amount for the competition will be increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000, which was warmly welcomed by the participants.
Justice N. Mala’s Inspiring Message
Delivering the special address, Justice N. Mala began her speech with the well-known quote:
“What we have learned is a handful; what we have not learned is the size of the world.”
She emphasized that young lawyers should listen carefully to senior advocates, learn through observation, and develop the ability to work independently. She also highlighted the importance of courage, dedication, discipline, and perseverance in building a successful legal career.
Winners of the Competition
The winners of the 8th Thiru. Isari Velan Memorial Moot Court Competition 2026 were:
First Prize: Saveetha School of Law – Trophy, medals, and Rs. 50,000 cash prize
Second Prize: Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College – Rs. 30,000 cash prize
Best Memorial Award: Bharath Law School – Rs. 15,000 cash prize
Best Speaker Award: Ms. S. Shalini from Saveetha School of Law – Rs. 15,000 prize money
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Rohan Kumar, Head of Department at the Vels School of Law, marking the successful completion of the competition.
The event once again reflected the commitment of Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies to nurturing future legal professionals and strengthening academic excellence in legal education.
About VELS University
VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) continues to be recognised as one of the best deemed university in Chennai, distinguished by its prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and UGC Category I status. Home to over 20,000 students and supported by a dedicated faculty strength of 1,220 members, VISTAS offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Law, Mass Communication, Maritime Studies, Aviation, Physiotherapy, and Computing Sciences, among others. With its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development, VISTAS remains a premier destination for quality higher education in India.
For more information, please visit www.vistas.ac.in.
