Mock Court Acquits Accused in Simulated Dowry Death Case

Udaipur: A moot court exercise based on a dowry death case was organized on Saturday by third-year LL.B. students at Dr. Anushka Law College. The event was attended by Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority and Additional District & Sessions Judge Kuldeep Sharma as the Chief Guest. Special guests included Kamla Surana, Chairperson of Dr. Anushka Memorial Educational Society, and Secretary Rajeev Surana. The program was presided over by the institute’s Director, Dr. S. S. Surana.

Dr. S. S. Surana explained that moot courts are an essential part of legal education, conducted by students to help them understand courtroom procedures. He emphasized that practical exposure is crucial in law studies, which is effectively provided through such exercises.

The moot court was based on a fictional case titled State vs. Manoj Kumar & Others. The case involved provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, where an FIR was registered at a police station in Udaipur and, after investigation, a charge sheet was submitted in court. The matter was then committed to the Sessions Court for trial.

The defense was represented by Kumari Varsha Dangi, while Ashwin Kothari acted as the public prosecutor for the prosecution. Witness roles were played by Bheru Lal, Khemraj Meghwal, Gopal Singh, Seena Dangi, Deepanshu Vaya, and Dhananjay Tripathi. Rajeshwari Shrimali appeared for the defense side. The roles of the accused were performed by Sanjay Dangi, Kumari Usha Jain, and Mirza Mahmood Beg. Surajmal Meena acted as the court orderly, while Naresh Meghwal and Bhanwari played the roles of male and female constables respectively. Dhananjay Tripathi also portrayed the investigating officer.

During the proceedings, the court framed two key issues. The prosecution failed to prove the first issue beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in the benefit going to the accused. Consequently, the court acquitted all accused with honor.

Neeta Sompura, acting as the Sessions Judge, delivered the final judgment, ordering the acquittal of the accused. The program was anchored by Mayuri Lohar.

On this occasion, Dr. S. S. Surana highlighted the importance of moot courts and appreciated the performances of all participants. Secretary Rajeev Surana also congratulated the students for their efforts. Vice Principal Dr. Mohammad Haroon Chhipa remarked that participation in moot courts enhances students’ speaking skills and decision-making abilities under pressure. He added that such platforms are highly beneficial, especially for final-year LL.B. students who will soon begin practicing in real courts.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Rajeev Surana. Faculty members present included Dr. Ranjana Surana, Dr. Shyam Singh, Dr. Smith Vyas, Dr. Kriti Vyas, Pragya Khajanchi, and Manohar Khajanchi.