11th National ADR Competition for KELSA Trophy: Fostering Dialogue and Justice

Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram Marks 150 Years of Legal Excellence.

The Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, a pioneer in legal education in Kerala, in association with IQAC and Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer Chair on ADR Systems, proudly announces the 11th National ADR Competition for the KELSA Trophy 2025, the prestigious event will be conducted in a hybrid format on 12th, 13th, and 20th November 2025. This national-level competition aims to highlight the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in ensuring access to justice, fostering dialogue, and promoting harmonious conflict resolution.

A Legacy of Legal Excellence

Established in 1875, the Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram is the first law college in Kerala and one of the oldest in India. As the institution marks 150 years of academic excellence, it continues to uphold its motto, “Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum”—“Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”

Over the decades, the college has nurtured generations of jurists, advocates, and policymakers who have shaped India’s legal landscape. Notable alumni include Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India, and Prof. N. R. Madhava Menon, the visionary behind India’s National Law Universities.

With a robust academic environment, state-of-the-art law library, vibrant moot court culture, and strong emphasis on ADR, the college continues to bridge tradition and modernity in legal education.

About the Competition

The National ADR Competition for the KELSA Trophy stands as a platform for young law students to engage in simulated dispute resolution processes. The event focuses on nurturing essential skills like negotiation, mediation, and arbitration—tools crucial for resolving disputes outside the conventional courtroom setting.

Preliminary Round: To be conducted online on 13th November 2025.
Semi-Finals and Finals: To be held offline on campus on 20th November 2025.
The hybrid structure ensures wider participation while retaining the dynamism of in-person sessions.

Participation And Eligibility

The competition will be open to all students of Law Colleges and Law Departments recognized by the Bar Council Of India. The participation is limited to undergraduate students in law both in the 3-year and 5-year schemes undergoing regular courses. A college/department can send a team comprising three students, who have to deal with the role of the Claimant, the Respondent, and the Council.

Registration

Provisional registration shall be effected by registering on the Google form https://forms.gle/PR4Jph6tAM5mkX2V7
by 17th October 2025. Selected teams must attend the verification session on 11th November 2025 at 7:30 p.m. via Google Meet.

The Preliminary Rounds will be conducted online, while the Semi-Finals and Finals will be held offline at the college. Teams qualifying for the Semi-Finals must share their travel details by 16th November 2025. All travel expenses will be borne by their respective institutions. The teams must report at the competition venue by 8:00 a.m. on 20th November 2025. Accommodation will be provided from 6:00 p.m. on 19th November 2025 for 24 hours, and further details will be shared later.

Selection Procedure

The teams shall be selected on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. The maximum number of teams SHALL BE LIMITED TO 20. Only one team from one institution shall be permitted. A registration fee of Rs. 1500/- (Rupees One Thousand Five Hundred only) at the time of registration and transaction details are to be attached to the provided Google form.

Bank A/c No. – 67152804535 (SBI, Vikas Bhavan) : IFSC – SBIN0070415 : A/c Holder Name – Principal Law College Trivandrum.

Dress Code

Female Participants: White saree with black blouse / white salwar kameez / white shirt and black pants (The Council shall wear a black coat).
Male Participants: White or black pants with white shirt (The Council shall wear a black coat and tie).

Competition And Regulations

Anonymity of Participants
The Team shall not reveal their identity anywhere in the script or at the time of presentation. At the time of registration, a team code will be allotted to the teams. Throughout the competition, the Team will be identified by their respective codes.

Finals – Teams on the basis of their performance in the semifinal round will be selected ( aggregate marks of the claimant, respondent and Council) to this round. Format of the final round will be the same as the semi finals

Competition Procedure

The competition shall consist of 3 rounds.

Prelims – For this round the team will have to do a role play based on the problem given, Two of the team members acting as the parties and the third member as a Council (mediator/conciliator/arbitrator based on the problem given)
Semi Finals- Teams based on their aggregate score in the prelims will be selected to this round. In this round scripts will be exchanged along with the Council i e , the Council of your team will be exchanged with the Council of the opposite team and vice versa.
Finals – Teams on the basis of their performance in the semi final round will be selected ( aggregate marks of the claimant, respondent and Council) to this round. Format of the final round will be the same as the semi finals

Duration for Performance

PRELIMINARY ROUND -30 minutes
SEMI FINALS – 45 minutes
FINALS – 45 minutes

Prizes & Recognition

Ever-rolling trophies, cash prizes, and individual trophies for winners, and every participant will be awarded an e certificate of participation. Honours in this competition include:
a. Best Team
b. Second Best Team
c. Best Council
d. Best Script
e. Second Best Script