All India Trial Advocacy Competition 2025 by Centre for Criminal Laws, Government Law College Ernakulam

Honoring 150 years of Legacy at Government Law College, Ernakulam

The Centre for Criminal Laws at Government Law College, Ernakulam, is thrilled to announce the Second Edition of the All India Trial Advocacy Competition (AITA) 2025, set to take place from 17th to 19th January 2025.

AITA 2025 isn’t just about courtroom drama—it’s an opportunity to sharpen your advocacy skills in the fast-paced world of criminal trials. From cross-examining witnesses to delivering compelling arguments, this competition blends hands-on experience with valuable learning and networking.

About All India Trial Advocacy, 2025

The All India Trial Advocacy Competition (AITA) is more than a competition; it embodies the college’s enduring commitment to shaping future leaders in the legal profession. Since its launch in 2017, it has provided young law students with a stage to step into the shoes of courtroom lawyers.

The first edition in 2017 was an extraordinary success, becoming one of India’s premier platforms for trial advocacy while drawing immense participation from law schools across the nation. Building on this momentum, the upcoming second edition of AITA holds further significance as it commemorates 150 years of legacy and legal excellence that Government Law College, Ernakulam, has stood for.

Apart from honing advocacy skills, this event strives to nurture teamwork, strategic planning, and confidence. Furthermore, AITA aims to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, thereby preparing students for a career in litigation.

About Government Law College, Ernakulam

Government Law College, Ernakulam, is the first law college in Kerala and one of the oldest law colleges in India, founded in 1874. Over the years, the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal education landscape of Kerala and beyond. Affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, the college is renowned for its tradition of academic excellence, producing some of the country’s finest legal professionals and luminaries.

The college has built a legacy of nurturing legal minds who have made significant contributions to the Indian judiciary and legal field. Its alumni include esteemed personalities such as the former Chief Justice of India, Justice KG Balakrishnan, and Justice K. M. Joseph, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Other notable alumni include N. R. Madhava Menon, an iconic Indian civil servant, lawyer, and legal educator, along with several judges of the High Court of Kerala, past and present, and a range of distinguished former Chief Ministers, Union and State Ministers.

About Centre for Criminal Laws

The Centre for Criminal Laws at Government Law College, Ernakulam, is a dedicated academic body that focuses on the study, research, and practical application of criminal law. Established as part of the college’s vision to provide specialized legal education, the Centre aims to equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the field of criminal law, one of the most dynamic and complex branches of legal practice.

Eligibility

The competition is open to undergraduate students pursuing an LL.B. program (3-year or 5-year course) from any law school, university, or department of law recognized by the Bar Council of India. Each institution is allowed to send only one team to represent them.

Team Composition

Each team must consist of 3 members:

• 2 speakers

• 1 witness trainer

Once the team composition is registered, no changes can be made after 27th December 2024. Teams should ensure that they adhere to this format, and any deviation (including the addition of a fourth member) will not be permitted. Only one team per college is permitted to participate in the event.

Location

The competition will be held at Government Law College, Ernakulam, in the city of Kochi, Kerala.

Registration

• Registration Deadline: 23:59 IST on 27th December 2024

• The registration form must be completed and submitted through the link provided below.

• The registration fee is INR 3000 per team (non-refundable).

• Proof of payment must be attached to the registration form.

• Teams must complete the registration on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of 20 teams allowed.

• Upon successful registration, teams will receive a Unique Registration Number (URN), which must be quoted in all future communications.

Fee Details

The registration fee is INR 3000 per team, and the payment must be submitted along with the registration form and is non-refundable. Please note this amount is not inclusive of accommodation or meals, except for lunch during the event days.

Competition Structure

The competition will follow a multi-round format:

• Preliminary Rounds: Each team participates in two rounds – one as the prosecution and the other as the defense.

• Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Finals: Teams with the highest aggregate scores from the preliminary rounds will advance to the knockout stages.The competition will include both oral advocacy and cross-examination, with teams presenting arguments and conducting examinations in each round.

Awards and Prizes

Certificate of Participation will be awarded to all the participants. Additionally, the top teams and performers will get the following prizes:

• Best Trial Advocacy Team: Trophy, Merit Certificate, INR 25,000

• Second Best Trial Advocacy Team: Trophy, Merit Certificate, INR 15,000

• Best Trial Advocate: Trophy, Merit Certificate, INR 7,500

• Second Best Trial Advocate: Trophy, Merit Certificate, INR 5,000

• Best Witness Trainer: Trophy, Merit Certificate, INR 7,500

• Second Best Witness Trainer: Trophy, Merit Certificate, INR 5,000

Key Dates

• Problem Release: 12th December 2024

• Registration Opens: 14th December 2024

• Last Date for Registration: 27th December 2024