INAUGURAL:

UDIT:

“A man of courage never needs weapons, but he may need bail.” —

Lewis Mumford

A very good morning to all the esteemed dignitaries, respected Principal sir, faculty members
and enthusiastic participants. I, Mr. Udit Gangawane, member of the Moot Court Association
warmly welcome you all to the 2nd edition of NATIONAL BAIL APPLICATION AND
ARGUMENTATION COMPETITION, 2024, hosted by the Thakur Ramnarayan College of
Law and organised by its Moot Court Association.

Our institution, Thakur Ramnarayan College of Law, is a premier institute committed to

impart a rigorous, multi-disciplinary legal education with a view to produce world-class legal
professionals. It aims at providing quality education to learners at all levels backed by the
visionary spirit of the Thakur Group for the new generation of students. TRCL aspires to lead
the charge in advancing academic excellence in legal education, training, research, and
innovation. Our vision is to cultivate exceptional legal minds and professionals who are not
only adept in their craft but also dedicated to serving society with unparalleled excellence
and professionalism.

The Moot Court Association of Thakur Ramnarayan College of Law is one of the key limbs
of the institute, resolute in its mission to cultivate exceptional legal minds. We aim to
transcend mere theoretical knowledge by providing intensive instruction in competition
preparation, encompassing legal research, persuasive brief writing, and masterful oral
advocacy, thereby preparing our peers for competitive success in prestigious intra-college
and inter-collegiate competitions. In alignment with this commitment, we have organized this
competition to provide a platform for aspiring legal professionals to hone their advocacy
skills, deepen their understanding of bail jurisprudence, and refine their judgement writing
capabilities.

Without any further ado, I would like to call upon my co-hosts, Shraddha and Anushka. Over
to you.

SHRADDHA:

Thank you, Udit. It gives me immense pleasure to welcome one and all present here to the
2nd National Bail Writing and Judgment Competition by the Thakur Ramnarayan College of
Law.
This competition aims to be more than a test of legal knowledge; indeed, it aims to be a
platform for aspiring legal minds to showcase their analytical, drafting, and decision-making
skills. Bail writing is crucial in criminal law, requiring a deep understanding of legal
principles and a knack for persuasive argumentation. It involves crafting a compelling plea
that balances the rights of the accused with the interests of justice.

Similarly, judgement writing is a pillar of the judicial process. It demands clarity of thought,
precision, and the ability to synthesise complex legal issues into coherent, well-reasoned
decisions. This competition mirrors the real-life responsibilities of legal professionals,
pushing you to think critically and write effectively.

Through this event, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the legal
system and prepare you for the challenges of a legal career.

ANUSHKA: We would now like to take the opportunity to introduce our esteemed judges
for the preliminary rounds. Our first judge for the day is Advocate Mahesh Vaswani sir, who
embodies the essence of activism within the legal profession, advocating not only for his
clients but also for broader societal reforms. With a focus on criminal and civil law, as well as
a commitment to human rights, Sir has dedicated himself to the pursuit of justice and
equality. His passionate advocacy extends beyond the courtroom, as he tirelessly campaigns
for the audio-video recording of all judicial proceedings in courts—a critical step towards
enhancing transparency and ensuring fair trials.

As an activist lawyer, sir serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking justice and societal
change. His unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and advocating for judicial
transparency makes him a formidable force in the legal landscape.

We are privileged to welcome Advocate Mahesh Vaswani to judge our competition, where his
insights and experiences are sure to inspire and empower the next generation of legal
professionals.

SHRADDHA: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Advocate Lakshmi

Raman ma’am, our second judge for the day. Ma’am is a distinguished legal professional
based in Mumbai and is currently serving as the Co-Founder & Partner specialising in
Criminal Litigation at Numen Law Offices. With over a decade of experience in the legal
field, ma’am has made significant contributions to the realm of criminal law.

Before her current role, ma’am also interned at various prestigious firms and organisations,
including Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra's chambers, Kanga & Co., and Ernst & Young -
PDS Legal, where she gained exposure to corporate law, tax law, and pharmaceutical
intellectual property rights.

Throughout her career, ma’am has demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence,

professionalism, and ethical conduct. Her dedication to criminal litigation has earned her
recognition as an IBLJ Future Legal Leader and an ALB India Rising Star.

We are privileged to have Advocate Lakshmi Raman ma’am among us, and we extend our
warmest welcome to her.

ANUSHKA: Our third judge for the day is Adv. Ruben Fernandes sir, who is a highly
accomplished legal professional with an impressive track record spanning over two decades.
Sir has honed his skills in various fields of law, including civil, criminal, and quasi-judicial
matters, appearing before esteemed courts such as the Supreme Court of India, Bombay High
Court, and various lower courts.

In the criminal domain, Sir has handled complaints under Section 138 of the Negotiable
Instruments Act and private complaints. Sir has successfully argued bail applications and
conducted examinations and cross-examinations.

Sir’s extensive experience and knowledge have made him a valuable asset in quasi-judicial
authorities, where he has drafted and argued appeals, revisions, and interim notices.

Sir has proven himself to be a formidable legal professional through His dedication to the
legal field and his commitment to justice make him an excellent choice to serve as a judge
for this competition.

SHRADDHA: Our fourth judge for the day is Adv. Rahul Kamekar sir, a seasoned legal
professional renowned for his expertise in white-collar crimes, financial disputes, and a wide
array of litigation areas including intellectual property, commercial, business, land, tax, and
insolvency. Enrolled as an advocate with the High Court of Bombay in 2015, sir has since
established himself as a prominent figure practising at the High Court of Bombay, Supreme
Court of India, and various tribunals, notably the NCLT Mumbai.

Sir’s legal acumen has seen him represent a myriad of clients, including political leaders and
parties from across the political spectrum, in notable cases before the High Court of Bombay
and Supreme Court of India. Notable cases he has handled include matters involving the
Congress Party, Maharashtra Fishermen versus Commercial Trawling, Tata Motors, and
GoAir Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process.

With his wealth of experience and versatility in handling complex legal issues, Advocate
Rahul Kamekar stands as a trusted advisor and advocate for his clients. We are delighted to
welcome him to our event, where his insights and experiences are sure to enrich our
discussions and inspire aspiring legal professionals.

ANUSHKA: We also have with us Adv. Arvind Singh sir, who has a remarkable career
spanning over thirty-two years in the Indian Revenue Service.
Sir brings a wealth of experience from various departments including DRI, ED, Customs, and
Central Excise. Sir’s tenure as an officer in the Customs & Central Excise Department,
Ministry of Finance, Government of India, coupled with his roles in leadership positions such
as Additional Director at the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Additional
Commissioner at CESTAT, showcases his expertise and commitment to the field of law. Sir’s
extensive background in enforcement and adjudication makes him a valuable asset to our
event, and we eagerly anticipate the insights he will share from his illustrious career.

SHRADDHA: It is our distinct honour to introduce Advocate Geetika Jain ma’am, a

distinguished advocate with over 12 years of exemplary legal practice. A Gold Medallist in
B.A. LL. B (Hons.) and a Silver Medallist in LL.M., ma’am is currently advancing her
expertise through a Ph.D. in Law. Her prolific career spans representation in the High Court
of Bombay, the Supreme Court of India, and various other legal forums, showcasing her
adeptness in handling complex litigation and arbitration cases.
Ma’am has held significant positions, including Senior Associate Advocate at Parinam Law
Associates and Bilawala & Co., where she demonstrated exceptional skill in managing high-
stakes legal matters. In addition to her practice, she has made substantial contributions to
legal academia, teaching a range of subjects such as the Indian Penal Code and Law of
Evidence at many prestigious institutions.

Her unique blend of practical experience and academic rigour makes her a paragon of the
legal profession. We are privileged to have her judicial insights guiding today’s competition.

ANUSHKA: We hope that the introduction of our esteemed panel of judges has further
spurred our participants to showcase their exceptional legal acumen. We encourage the
participants to put forth their best and demonstrate their knowledge and commitment through
their presentations and we look forward to the unique insights and arguments you will bring
to the table.

Over to you Udit.

UDIT: Thank you very much Shraddha and Anushka for introducing the judges for the day.
We are honoured to have an esteemed panel of judges who will evaluate the rounds today and
their insights will undoubtedly provide invaluable feedback to our participants.
To the participants, I commend you for your enthusiasm and hard work for this competition. I
encourage you to make the most of this opportunity, learn from the experiences, and engage
with your peers in the spirit of healthy competition and mutual respect.

I wish all the participants the very best of luck. May this competition be a rewarding
experience that enhances your legal acumen and prepares you for the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead. I now call upon Asst. Prof. Ishrat Pirani, Faculty Chairperson of
MCA to present a vote of thanks. Ma’am over to you.

All participants are requested to kindly be ready as we will now break into rooms for your
rounds.

FINAL ROUNDS

SUSHANTH: Welcome back! A round of applause for all the participants for their
exceptional performance. However, top 8 teams only shall qualify for the Final Rounds. After
the calculation of marks scored by the teams, we have the following 8 teams proceeding to
the final round.

Congratulations to those who have proceeded to the next round. We shall begin in ______
mins

ANUSHKA: Without any further ado, I would now like to take the opportunity to introduce
our first judge for the Final Round, Advocate Dr. Nilesh Pawaskar.

Sir has 28 years of court experience, which include the Supreme Court of India, High Courts
all over India, Bombay City Civil and Sessions Court, Co-operative Court, DART, etc.

Sir has been a Senior Counsel for the Government of India, Special Counsel for the
Government of Maharashtra, Special Public Prosecutor for the Government of Maharashtra,
and Honorary Assistant to the Government Pleader. In addition to this, Sir has also worked as
Amicus Curiae at the Bombay High Court and has been a University of Mumbai Counsel at
the same.

Sir’s immense contributions to drafting include:

- Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil, and
Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 and
- The Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition, and
Redressal) Act, 2016.

Furthermore, sir has also contributed significantly to the academic sector by serving as an
examiner, professor, and Bar Council faculty. Besides these achievements, he is also heavily
involved in pro bono work and has been serving as a Faculty Advocate for the Honorary
Legal Advice Centre for 15 years. We welcome you sir!

SHRADDHA:, Our second judge evaluating the final rounds is Adv. Shreeram Shirsat. Sir
has been practicing criminal law for well over 24 years and is currently practicing as the
Additional Public Prosecutor for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Directorate of
Enforcement (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), National Investigating Agency (NIA),
Registrar of Companies (ROC), Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Bureau of
Immigration (BOI), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), Central Industrial Security
Force (CISF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), etc. Sir also appeared as the Additional
Public Prosecutor and Special Public Prosecutor for the Union of India in recent cases
individually, as well as with the former Additional Solicitor General of India Shri. Anil Singh
in the Bail Applications of Rhea Chakraborty and Others v Narcotics. Additionally, he
appeared in the Special Leave Petition in the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Sir has also appeared
in the Hon'ble Bombay High Court on the Criminal Appellate Side in several Criminal
Appeals, Criminal Writ Petitions, Bail Applications, Anticipatory Bail Applications, Criminal
Revision Applications, and Criminal Applications, as well as appeared before the Hon'ble
National Commission At New Delhi; the State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission,
Mumbai and Consumer Dispute Redressal Forums in Mumbai and more while also handling
cases pertaining to Economic Offences, Prevention of Corruption Act, PMLA, NDPS Act,
Negotiable Instruments Act, ROC, etc. We are honoured to have you present here with us sir.

VALEDICTORY SPEECH:

SANA:

A VERY GOOD EVENING TO ONE AND ALL PRESENT HERE,

With great honour and privilege, I stand before you today to deliver the valedictory address
for the 2nd National Bail Application and Argumentation event hosted by Thakur
Ramnarayan College of Law.

We have witnessed not only the display of exceptional legal acumen but also the spirit of
perseverance, collaboration, and dedication that embodies the true essence of legal advocacy.
Let us now proceed towards result declaration. I call upon ____________ to announce the
winners and runner ups.

VOTE OF THANKS

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed judges,
whose expertise and insightful feedback have been invaluable to all of us. Your guidance has
not only challenged us to think critically and argue persuasively but also to reflect on the
ethical and moral responsibilities we bear as future legal practitioners.

I would also like to take a moment to thank the Management of Thakur Education Trust and
our Principal Sir, without whom this event would not have been possible. It is their constant
support and encouragement that we aspire and execute events such as today’s.

Not to forget the organisers of this event, for their meticulous planning and unwavering
commitment to creating a platform where young minds can hone their skills and gain
practical insights into the complexities of legal procedures. Your efforts have provided us
with an invaluable learning experience that will undoubtedly shape our professional journeys.

To my fellow participants, it has been an honour to share this journey with you. The intensity
of the arguments, the depth of research, and the eloquence of the presentations we have
witnessed are a testament to your hard work and dedication. Each one of you has
demonstrated not only a profound understanding of legal principles but also the creativity
and resilience needed to navigate the intricate world of law.

As we reflect on our experiences during this event, let us remember that the true essence of
legal advocacy lies in our commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The skills we
have developed here – from crafting compelling arguments to articulating our positions with
clarity and conviction – are not just tools for winning cases, but for serving society and
upholding the principles of justice.

While this marks the end of our formal participation in this competition, it also signifies the
beginning of our journey as advocates for justice. Let us carry forward the lessons we have
learned, the friendships we have forged, and the passion for law that has been ignited within
us. Together, we can make a difference and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

I would like to once again thank everyone who has made this event possible, and
congratulations to all the participants for your outstanding efforts. Your presence and
participation have made it a truly memorable and enriching experience. Let us continue to
strive for excellence in legal advocacy and uphold the principles of justice and fairness in all
our endeavours.