UILS, Panjab University to Host “Arguendo 2026” – 9th National Law Fest from March 19–21 

Chandigarh, March 18, 2026: The University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, is set to host the 9th National Law Fest – Arguendo 2026 from March 19th to March 21st 2026 that will feature two premier national-level competitions- the UILS National Moot Court Competition, 2026 and the 6th Justice A.S. Anand National Mediation and Negotiation Competition, 2026. 

Arguendo 2026 will also feature “Raising the Bar – Season 2,” a talk series conceptualised to bridge the gap between legal education and the realities of the legal profession. 

Justice Ritu Bahri, former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court is the guest for this year’s season keeping the legacy of last year alive. The competitions shall be judged by Honourable Justice Sanjay Vashisht and Justice Aman Chaudhary, Judges Punjab and Haryana High Court and Senior Advocates of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Advocate Jasdev Mehndiratta and Karambir Singh Nalwa. The judges also include Adv. Shivam Wadhwa, Founder and Managing Partner, Wadhwa & Co. and Col. Narender Singh Deputy Judge Advocate General (Litigation) Headquarters Western Command Chandigarh. 

A total of 36 teams have registered for the competition this year comprising 108 students who will compete against each other in preliminary, semi-final and final rounds. The Mediation & Negotiation competition is in a hybrid format including the preliminary rounds which were held virtually on 8th March,2026. 

Eight teams have qualified for the quarter final rounds including teams from NALSAR, Hyderabad, NLU Jodhpur and NLU Sonepat who will now compete in the quarter finals followed by semi-finals and final rounds. Participants will assume roles such as mediator, counsel, and client, and will be assessed on negotiation strategy, mediation advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving. Winning teams will receive cash prizes and internship opportunities. 

The competition shall take place under the aegis of Prof. Shruti Bedi, Director UILS, Panjab University. The faculty coordinators for the event are Prof. Sabina Salim, Dr. Supreet Gill, Dr. Shivani Gupta and Dr. Nidhi Sharma. 

Established in 2004–05 as a constituent department of Panjab University, UILS has consistently emphasised experiential learning through moot courts, seminars, internships, and legal aid initiatives. Arguendo reflects this ethos by creating a forum for disciplined advocacy, meaningful dialogue, and professional camaraderie among students from across the country. 

For further details and updates regarding Arguendo 2026, participants may refer to the official resources released by the organising committees of the Moot Court Society and ADR-CCL Board, UILS.