Jaipur. The three-day Dr. S.M. Junewal Ranka International Moot Court Competition hosted by Apex University, Jaipur, commenced on Saturday with great enthusiasm. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Justice Aravind Kumar of the Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Justice Anand Sharma of the Rajasthan High Court, and Dr. Ravi Junewal, Chairperson of Apex University. Former Judge J.K. Ranka, Urmila N. Ranka and Siddharth Ranka attended as special guests. A total of 53 university teams from India and abroad are participating in the competition, organized at the Apex School of Law, Sitapura campus.


Addressing the gathering, Justice Aravind Kumar emphasized that the fundamental duties described in Article 51(A) of the Constitution must form the foundation of every student’s life. He urged students not to remain confined to their comfort zones, but to integrate honesty, humanity, and humility into their daily conduct.

He highlighted the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, noting that Indian civilization has always promoted global brotherhood—a value today’s youth must uphold. Referring to India’s ancient intellectual heritage, he reminded students of the glory of universities like Takshashila and Nalanda, and of the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters, stating that patriotism is a lifelong responsibility, not just a sentiment.

Justice Anand Sharma of the Rajasthan High Court described moot court competitions as a “preparation for the future,” comparing them to an ocean in which students must dive deep to discover the human stories behind legal provisions and case laws. Such competitions, he said, nurture sensitivity, analytical power, and the foundational qualities needed in future judges and legal experts.
He also reflected on the rapid transformation brought by technology and artificial intelligence, calling AI as transformative as Darwin’s theory. While technology cannot be avoided, he cautioned students not to let machines overpower human intellect.

Dr. Ravi Junewal, Chairperson of Apex University, said that moot courts are not merely competitions but invaluable sources of knowledge. Law students must constantly update themselves with the latest legal developments.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Somdev Satanshu quoted the Vishnu Smriti and reiterated the message: “Dharma protects those who protect it.”
Registrar Dr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma expressed gratitude to all distinguished guests.

Director Vedanshu Junewal informed that preliminary rounds were conducted on Saturday, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final rounds. The valedictory ceremony will take place on 17 November 2025, with Hon’ble Justice Anup Kumar Dhand and Hon’ble Justice Anil Kumar Upman (Rajasthan High Court) as chief guests. Awards will be presented for Best Team, Best Speaker, and Best Memorial.

 

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