Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 6: Advocate P Shivaji Shetty Memorial fourth national moot court competition-2019 was inaugurated at Vaikunta Baliga College of Law auditorium here on Friday, April 5.
Prof T R Subrahmanya, dean, School of Legal studies CMR University, Bengaluru inaugurated the programme. It was organised by the management, principal, staffs, students and alumni association of Vaikunta Baliga College of Law, Udupi.
In his inaugural address, T R Subrahmanya said, “A sea of changes is taking place in legal education system. Practicing law is different than in books. Three facts are important in law - think, conduct and perform. There are 1,400 law colleges in the country in three groups. They are national law schools, private universities and affiliated law colleges. There are 200 to 300 NAAC accredited law colleges out of 800 universities. About 90 to 95 colleges are A graded. It is our responsibility of improve the status of law colleges in India.
“An advocate must have humanity first and should have helping nature. Quality is important in the era of globalisation. Research should take place in important aspects of law.
“In 2020, about 11 crore youths in the age group of 20 to 22 years will be ready to face the world. So there is tough competition to survive in law field too.
“There is lack of infrastructure and staffs in some law colleges. Students of law should get proper and quality education. There is need to focus on improvement of skills. Many foreign companies are likely to come to India in the next year. So India's law students must be prepared to compete with them. Standard training must be given to them. A lawyer should know the skill of cross questioning in advocacy,” he said.
“C M Joshi, principal district and sessions court judge, Udupi in his presidential address said, “There is lack of cross examination skills in lawyers these days. It is an art. Drafting and presentation is important in advocacy. Improvement of skills is the only criteria to survive in this service sector. If lawyers do not understand grass root level, one will not able to reach greater heights. One should keep updating himself. Legal fraternity is not ready to appreciate electronic
evidences. Hence, we are lagging 10 years behind in using technology. Research has to be there in legal education. There is a need to adjust ourselves to the changing times.”
Jayanthi P Shivaji Shetty unveiled the trophies.
Nirmala Kumari, coordinator of moot court competition, Adnan Siddique, college president and Mufida Begam were present.
Around 28 colleges have registered to take part in the competition.
Prakash Kanave, principal of the Law College extended the welcome and Smrithy Suresh rendered the votes of thanks.
Joanne Venessa D'Silva compered the programme.