1st MAHINDRA UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Mahindra University is a multidisciplinary institution in India committed to nurturing future leaders. “Jnaanaarthe Pravesha, Sevaarthe Prasthana” is an Upanishad sermon that means enter an institution with the sole purpose of securing knowledge and exit only to serve the society. The School of Law, Mahindra University, commenced in September 2021, is a new temple of law learning in Hyderabad, founded on the philosophy of securing justice, equality and service to all sections of society. The University is committed to educating future citizens for a better world. We aim to balance education with experience through entrepreneurial projects to solve complex challenges facing society.

Mahindra University, School of Law, is organising and inviting registrations from universities across the globe to participate in the Inaugural Mahindra International Moot Court Competition 2024, scheduled to be held from 1st March 2024 to 3rd March 2024.

It is with great honour that we announce the inaugural Mahindra University International Moot Court Competition with a focus on the intersection of Technology and International Law, scheduled from 1st March to 3rd March 2024 at the School of Law campus in Hyderabad. This prestigious annual event marks the inaugural edition of Mahindra University’s Moot Court Competition.

For our Inaugural Edition, we look forward to welcoming teams from law schools across the globe to promote fruitful academic debate around evolving areas of law. Through the International Moot Court Competition, the School of Law continues its legacy of fostering scholarship and professional excellence amongst the next generation of lawyers and judges. We eagerly anticipate exceptional talent and competitive spirit at this event.

  1. The Competition is open to all the students currently enrolled in LL.B. Undergraduate Degree Courses or LL.M. Postgraduate Degree Courses across the world.
  2. More than one team from one institution/university cannot register for the competition.
  1. The deadline for the completion of the registration formalities is 15th January 2023 (23:59 I.S.T.)  The competition registration period will open on 14th December 2023.
  2. Interested teams must register for the Competition by filling out the online Registration Form. The Registration form can be accessed below:

https://forms.gle/cy7LLxDEBU6ZWaT56

  1. While filling out the online Registration Form, the teams must choose a primary point of contact. All communications concerning the Competition will be sent from the official email ID to the primary contact person, who will be responsible for conveying all relevant information to the participating team. The Organisers will not take any responsibility in case of non-conveyance of any relevant information by the primary contact person to their team.
  2. All the teams are required to pay the registration fee of Eight Thousand Rupees Only (Rs.8000/-) or Ninety-Six Dollars Only ($96).

Inclusions: Accommodation shall be provided at the University hostel/guest house. Participants shall follow University Hostel Rules while staying at the hostel/guest house. Male and female students are accommodated in different hostels/guest houses at the University Campus. The University Campus will serve all meals during the competition.

The registration fee must be paid either through RTGS/NEFT/IMPS. The Bank details are as follows –

Account Holder’s Name Mahindra University
Bank Name ICICI
Account No. 404101000071
IFSC Code ICIC0004041
Type of Account Savings
Branch Name Tech. Mahindra, Bahdurpally Village, Rangareddy District, Hyderabad – 500043

To make a payment via QR code, scan the code provided below:   

Grayspace

  1.  The teams are required to submit scanned copies of the following documents at the time of registration:
    1. A letter of authorisation from the relevant accredited institution allowing the team to participate in the competition.
    2. Receipt of the online payment.
    3. Any ID issued by the government in which the university is located (or) ID provided by the Participant’s Recognized Institution.
1 Opening of Registrations and Release of Moot Proposition 14th December 2023
2 Last Date to Seek Clarifications regarding Moot Proposition 5th January 2024
3 Closing of Registration 15th January 2024
4 Last Date for Memorial Submission 25th January 2024
5 Inaugural Ceremony, Researcher’s Test, and Draw of lots 1st March 2024
6 Preliminary Rounds & Quarter Finals 2nd March 2024
7 Semi-Final Round, Final Round, Valedictory Ceremony 3rd March 2024
  1. All the teams are required to pay the registration fee of Eight Thousand Rupees Only (Rs.8000/-) or Ninety-Six Dollars Only ($96).
  1. The Winning Team will receive a trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, and 6 months EBC Reader Subscription, and 1 year access to EBC Learning
  2. The Runners-up Team shall receive a trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 70,000, and 6 months EBC Reader Subscription.
  3. The Best Speaker will receive a trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 20,000, and 6 months EBC Reader Subscription.
  4. The team with the Best Memorial will receive a trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 20,000, and 6 months EBC Reader Subscription.
  5. The Best Researcher will receive a trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 20,000, and 6 months EBC Reader Subscription.
  6. All the participants will receive a certificate of participation, and, 1 month access to SCC Online Web Edition.

Patron: Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, Hyderabad

Co-Patron: Prof. (Dr.) Balakista Reddy, Dean, School of Law, Hyderabad.

Organizing Committee:

  1. Prof. (Dr) Balakista Reddy, Dean, School of Law, Mahindra University, Hyderabad.
  2. Prof. (Dr) Sridhar Acharyulu, Advisor, School of Law, Mahindra University, Hyderabad.
  3. Dr. Sridip Nambiar, Faculty, School of Law, Mahindra University, Hyderabad.
  4. Ms. Aparna Singh, Faculty, School of Law, Mahindra University, Hyderabad.

Student Organizing Committee

  1. Aditi Srivatsala (Student Convenor).
  2. Meghana Medepally (Student Co-Convenor).
  3. Anushka Ramancherla (Treasurer).

SCC Online

EBC Readers

  1. Official Email ID – musol.imcc@mahindrauniversity.edu.in
  2. Dr. Sridip Nambiar (Faculty-In-Charge, Moot Court Committee): sridip.nambiar@mahindrauniversity.edu.in
  3. Ms. Aparna Singh (Faculty-In-Charge, Moot Court Committee): aparna.singh@mahindrauniversity.edu.in
  4. Aditi Srivatsala (Student Convenor): +91-7075847333
  5. Meghana Medepally (Student Co-Convenor): +91-8078889990
  6. Anushka Ramancherla (Treasurer): +91-7032188934

The relationship of Law and Technology is always complex as they are intertwined in such a manner which creates dichotomy as whether law should follow technology, or the other way around. From the invention of the wheel to the modern marvels of artificial intelligence, technology has been a driving force behind our progress, innovation and evolution. Latest technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, digital media and communications are revolutionizing and reshaping the way we live, work and interact.

As we move into an increasingly digital and interconnected world, it becomes more important than ever to consider the ethical and societal implication of our technological advancements. In recent times, we witnessed how technology and law worked in tandem during the COVID-19 pandemic. The manner in which Globalization has connected the world together, ‘Covidization’ too is going to have a long-lasting impact on the global order and cyber governance. The term ‘Covidization’ deals with the effects of the covid-19 pandemic on various sectors, be it pharmaceutical, agriculture, transport, environment, energy, finance or communications, amongst other sectors. Covidization era has witnessed an everlasting upsurge in the new normal in the usage of the technology. Thereby, paving the way for the digital technology platforms, in the form of e-classrooms, e-courts, e-governance, telemedicine, virtual tourism and so on. The ever-evolving landscape of technology will continue to shape our world in profound and unpredictable ways, offering opportunities for progress, creativity and discovery beyond.

The convergence of computing power, connectivity and data has given birth to a plethora of technologies, capable of both great harm and great benefit. We already are witnessing that how artificial intelligence, algorithms and other advances are disrupting society, privacy, commerce and the law. These and other rapidly upcoming technologies raise some fundamental questions when it comes to ethics, law and policy issues.

The legal jurisprudence should also evolve at the speed of technology, specifically, on the issue of applicability and utility of current laws and regulations that govern their use, particularly, on issues concerning the existing national/international law principles of state sovereignty, state jurisdiction, state responsibility, and state liability.

With technology, the possibilities seem limitless but to realise the extraordinary potential that technology can offer, we must also look at the role of law and policy.  In other words, to spur innovation, there needs to be a sound legal and policy framework that provides clarity and certainty for business, government and individuals.

The School of Law, Mahindra University, (MU SOL), Hyderabad, India in collaboration with the Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting, Belgium, Centre for Human Security Studies, Hyderabad and A.P. Suresh and Associates, Law Chambers, Hyderabad are organizing a pioneering One-Day International Conference on “Revolutionary Technologies and Evolutionary Laws: Challenges and Opportunities” on March 1st, 2024. This conference boldly endeavours to seek out plausibility of potentials as well as apprehensions about law keeping pace with emerging technologies. The conference aims to foster a symbiotic relationship between law and technology, where one can navigate the complexities of the digital age and ensure a harmonious coexistence that benefits society as a whole. There is a lot at stake for us and this requires a dynamic and flexible approach to law, one that embraces innovation while upholding the principles of justice and fairness. The conference will bring together diverse perspectives from academia, practitioners and industry experts, who will share their experiences and expertise on the challenges and opportunities ahead. As technology continues to permeate every facet of our lives, the conference will focus on the role of law and legal professionals as gatekeepers, who must stay attuned to its implications and adapt their practices accordingly.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP ON

DATA GOVERNANCE IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

A half-day hybrid mode workshop on ‘Data Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence is being organized by the School of Law, Mahindra University (MU SOL), Hyderabad in collaboration with the Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting, Belgium, and A.P. Suresh and Associates, Law Chambers, Hyderabad on 29th February 2024 from 2:00 PM IST to 6:00 PM IST. The focus of the workshop will be to address, how to govern data in the age of artificial intelligence? A keynote session will be followed by lectures by selected speakers including internationally recognized academicians, legal experts, policymakers, data protection authorities, and civil society representatives. The workshop will engage participants in interactive sessions allowing them to further connect with peers and experts in the field of law and technology.

This pre-conference workshop attendees can be legal practitioners, data protection professionals and authorities, privacy officers, civil society representatives and activists, researchers and all those interested stakeholders, working in the privacy, data protection and data governance domain.

Registration and other details about the workshop and the speakers will be announced soon on our webpage.

The School of Law, Mahindra University, (MU SOL), Hyderabad, India in collaboration with the Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting, Belgium, Centre For Human Security Studies, Hyderabad and A.P. Suresh and Associates, Law Chambers, Hyderabad extend this invitation to submit abstracts for the One Day International Conference on “Revolutionary Technologies and Evolutionary Laws: Challenges and Opportunities”. This conference serves as a distinguished platform for presenting pioneering research and inventive ideas at the intersection of technology and law. The conference will be held on 1st March, 2024 and aims to bring together leading academicians, practitioners, and domain experts to explore and address the latest advancements and challenges in the field of law and technology. The abstracts for any of the following tracks can be submitted by students, practitioners, researchers, academicians, professionals from any technology related legal dominion. The conference themes are as follows:

Track-1: Traditional International Norms versus Technology: The Traditional International Law Principles of State Sovereignty, State Jurisdiction, State Responsibility, State Liability

  1. Challenges and Adaptations of State Sovereignty in the Digital Age
  2. Cybersecurity and the Principle of Non-Intervention
  3. Global Cybersecurity Cooperation
  4. Human Rights in the Digital Age
  5. Impact of Technology on the Concept of Territorial Integrity
  6. Jurisdictional Issues in Cyberspace
  7. Legal Implications of State Responsibility for Cyber Attacks
  8. Liability of States in Cyber Warfare
  9. National Security and Digital Technologies
  10. State Diplomacy in Cyberspace
  11. Technological Challenges and Cyberthreats

Track-2:  Artificial Intelligence: Ethical and Legal Issues

  1. AI and Intellectual Property Rights
  2. AI in Criminal Justice
  3. AI in Financial Services including Taxation, Banking and Insurance Domain
  4. AI and Healthcare Issues
  5. Algorithmic Accountability and Responsibility
  6. Embedded Bias and Discrimination in AI
  7. Ethical Considerations in AI
  8. Legal Challenges in AI-driven Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  9. Legal Frameworks for AI Governance and Accountability
  10. Legal Personhood Issues for AI
  11. Transparency Issues in the age of AI
  12. Regulatory Challenges in Blockchain Technology
  13. Smart Cities and Legal Governance
  14. AI, Company Law and Corporate Governance
  15. Emerging Financial Technology and the Law
  16. The use of AI in International Dispute Resolution
  17. AI and the Digitalisation of the Workplace
  18. AI, Law and Rhetoric Work
  19. AI, International Law and the Use of Force
  20. AI, Education and Law
  21. Crime, Risk and AI
  22. AI and the Philosophy of Law / Legal Theory
  23. AI, Law and Sociology
  24. AI, Gender and the Law
  25. AI and Critical Race Theory

Track-3: Data Privacy, Data Protection and Legal Challenges

  1. Sustainability of Digital Ecosystem in Biometric Data
  2. Biometric Data and Privacy Concerns
  3. Children’s Data Protection
  4. Cross-Border Data Transfers
  5. Data Breach Notification Laws
  6. Data Localization Laws
  7. Data Ownership in the Digital Age
  8. Evolving Notions of Consent in Data Privacy Laws
  9. Global Trends in Data Privacy Regulations
  10. Legal Challenges in Big Data Governance
  11. Legal Implications of Data Analytics and Profiling
  12. Legal Remedies and Responsibilities for Data Breaches
  13. Privacy Implications for AI and Automated Decision-Making
  14. Regulatory Compliances in Data Protection Laws vis-à-vis GDPR and HIPPA

Track-4: Cyber Crimes, Cyber Security, Cyber Technologies and Emerging Legal Challenges

  1. Cryptocurrency and Regulatory Challenges
  2. Concerns and Issues in Metaverse and other Alternate Digital Realities
  3. Cyber Espionage
  4. Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure
  5. Cybersecurity Insurance
  6. Dark Web and Cyber Criminality
  7. Emerging Threats in Internet of Things Security
  8. Internet of Things and Legal Vulnerabilities
  9. Legal and Ethical Considerations of Ransomware Attacks
  10. Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity Incident Response
  11. Legal Challenges in Cyber Warfare and International Humanitarian Law
  12. Legal Challenges of Quantum Computing in Cybersecurity
  13. Legal Frameworks for Combatting Cyber Terrorism
  14. Legal Response to Deepfakes and Manipulated Media
  15. Legislations Against Cyber Crimes
  16. Financial Implications of Cyber Crimes

Track- 5: Globalization and Covidization: Techno-Legal Challenges

  1. Cross-Border Collaboration in Vaccine Distribution
  2. Digital Accessibility and Inclusion in Global Health Initiatives
  3. Digital Economy and Taxation
  4. Digital Transformation and Resilience in a Globalized World
  5. E-commerce and Consumer Protection Laws
  6. E-learning and Legal Challenges in Education
  7. Impact of Technology on Global Trade and Commerce
  8. Privacy Concerns for Covid-19 Contact Tracing Apps
  9. Remote Work and Cross-Border Employment Laws
  10. Technology Solutions for Supply Chain Resilience
  11. Telecommuting
  12. Telemedicine
  13. Covidization: Paradigm Shift in Global Governance
  14. Covidization and Technological Implications
  15. Covidization and the New World Order
  16. Covidization and International Relations
  17. Covidization and International Institutions
  18. Covidization and Health Diplomacy

Abstract should be of 200-300 words, describing the topic, issue or key aspect of the research. Abstract should also include clear title and keywords (excluded from the word count). After a preliminary review, the authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit a full paper. Selected abstracts shall be published in the conference souvenir, which will be released during the conference. Selected authors can also present their abstracts during the Conference in hybrid mode.

The full-length papers will be limited to 5000-6000 words (including footnotes and excluding bibliography/ references).  Reviewed and edited papers will be published in form of book bearing ISBN number from a reputed publishing house.

MU SOL does not advocate any form of plagiarism. However, Research Papers with plagiarism 10% or less will only be considered for the review process. It is suggested to check your paper for plagiarism before the submission. Uniform Mode of citation of OSCOLA 4th edition should be followed.

The submissions should be emailed to solconference@mahindrauniversity.edu.in and author should also fill the form at https://forms.office.com/r/Mau3VyKktH. The last date for submission of abstracts is Friday, 10th February, 2024, 11:59PM. The link for uploading the document will be closed at the specified time.

The authors are requested to adhere to the following guidelines.

  1. Every paper/abstract must be accompanied by a cover page, which should include the title of the paper, name(s) of the author(s) and their affiliations, resident country and the complete postal and e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of the authors.
  2. The name of the file shall be in the order as follow track numberfirst name of authortitle of the paper. In case of co-authored paper, first name of first author shall be written. In case the author is not sure of track number, kindly contact organising team before sending the abstract.
  3. E.g.: If the paper title is “Exploring Ethical and Responsible Implementation of AI in Corporate Governance”, submitted by Ms. Dora Andrew, the name of the file shall be “2-Dora-Exploring Ethical and Responsible Implementation of AI in Corporate Governance”
  4. Co-authorship up to 2 authors, including the primary author are permitted.
  5. The Research Paper/abstract should be in a Word Document format, Times New Roman, 12- point font size with 1.5 line spacing, 1 inch margins and OSCOLA 4th edition style of referencing.
  6. The Word Limit for the Research Paper is limited to 5000-6000 words, and must include the following: Title, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Statement of problem/Research Issue, Objectives of the study, Analysis and Findings, Conclusion/Implications/ Recommendations.

Review Process:

The abstracts will be blind reviewed and only those approved by the reviewers will be selected for the conference presentation. For accepted abstracts, one of the authors is expected to present the paper online or in-person. Notification on selection will be sent through email and the decision of the Review Committee regarding the selection of abstract shall be final and binding. Notification for approval of abstracts shall be informed by 15th February, 2024.

Authors of Selected abstracts shall submit the final papers on or before 30th April, 2024.

Registration Details for attendees/presenters of the Conference:

All the attendees should register to attend the conference at

https://forms.office.com/r/MgWN69bs9z

All the accepted abstract must be registered by at least one of the author(s) in order to present it in the conference. The paper without registration will not be considered for the publication in the book. Registration will be confirmed after receipt of registration fees.

Electronic transfer of registration fees through NEFT/RTGS/Google Pay/Paytm to below mentioned bank account only.

Name of Account Mahindra University
Name of Bank ICICI Bank
Bank Account Number 404101000071
Branch Tech. Mahindra Bahdaurpally Village

Rangareddy District,

Hyderabad -500043

Type of Account Savings
IFSC Code ICIC0004041

Registration Fee:

  • Students and Research Scholars: INR 1,500/- (In-Person) ; INR 500/- (Online attendees)
  • Academicians and Industry Experts: INR 2,500/- (In-Person) ; INR 1000/- (Online attendees)
  • Foreign Nationals: US Dollars 50/- (In-Person) ; US Dollars 10/- (Online attendees)

(Tea/snacks during Breaks, Lunch will be provided by the organisers. Registration fee does not include Travel/ accommodation of the attendees/presenters.)

Any attendee/presenter, who intends to present his/her paper in person, shall have to arrange for his/her own travel and accommodation. University shall not be liable for any such amenity and facility like travel and accommodation etc.

Certificates and awards:

  • Best presenter for each track will receive a cash prize of INR 10,000/- and Certificate of Merit.
  • Attendees of the conference will receive Participation Certificates.
  • Presenters shall also receive Presentation Certificate upon successful completion of Presentation.
  • Only Registered Participants will receive the Certificate of Participation/Presentation.

Participation/Presentation Certificates for online attendees/presenters shall be mailed to them after completion of the conference, subject to the condition that they register and attend all the sessions.

Important dates:

  • Last date for Abstract Submission: 10th February, 2024
  • Notification for selection of Abstracts: 15th February, 2024
  • Date of Presentation: 1st March, 2024
  • Last date for final paper submission: 30th April, 2024
  • Comments on final papers: 30th May, 2024
  • Tentative publication of Book: August, 2024

Patron-In-Chief:

  • Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, Hyderabad

Patron:

  • Prof.  (Dr.) V. Balakista Reddy, Dean, School of Law

Conference Committee:

  • Prof. (Dr.) V. Balakista Reddy, Dean, School of Law
  • Prof. (Dr.) M. Sridhar Acharyulu, Advisor, School of Law
  • Mr. Sagar Singamsetty, Managing Partner, Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting
  • Dr. Vinay Sharma, Faculty, School of Law
  • Mr. Rishi Raj Bhardwaj, Faculty, School of Law
  • Ms. Bangaru Laxmi Jasti, Faculty, School of Law
  • Ms. Aditi Nidhi, Faculty, School of Law
  • Dr. J. Lakshmi Charan, Faculty, School of Law

solconference@mahindrauniversity.edu.in

Conference Convener
Prof. (Dr.) V. Balakista Reddy
Dean, School of Law
Mahindra University, Hyderabad
Phone: (+91) 040 67135100
Conference Co-convenors
1. Ms. Aditi Nidhi,
Faculty, School of Law
Mahindra University, Hyderabad
Mob. +91-8618640650
2. Ms. Bangaru Laxmi Jasti,
Visiting Faculty, School of Law
Mahindra University, Hyderabad
Mob. +91-9573575067

or visit https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/schools/school-of-law/ for more updates.