CTIL Hosts 3rd International Moot Court Competition Under WTO Chairs Programme

Supreme Court judges underscore constitutional values and global trade governance at Greater Noida event

Greater Noida: The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in collaboration with the School of Law, Bennett University, organised the 3rd CTIL–Bennett International Moot Court Competition 2026 from February 6–8 under the WTO Chairs Programme.

The three-day international moot court competition brought together law students from universities across India and abroad, offering an academic platform to deliberate on contemporary issues in international trade law and labour standards. The competition rounds were evaluated by experts drawn from the legal profession, academia and policy institutions.

The moot proposition centred on alleged violations of labour standards and occupational safety obligations under a Free Trade Agreement, following an industrial accident and subsequent regulatory developments. The problem required participants to engage with complex intersections between trade commitments, labour rights and domestic regulatory frameworks.

Justice Rajesh Bindal of the Supreme Court of India addressed the inaugural session, highlighting the importance of constitutional values, sound judicial reasoning and the critical role of legal institutions in upholding the rule of law. Raj Singh, vice chancellor of Bennett University, emphasised the responsibility of universities in advancing policy-oriented legal education and nurturing globally aware legal professionals.

Speakers during the event underlined the importance of WTO law moots in strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing understanding of international trade governance frameworks. Academic publications were also released during the programme.

Justice Pankaj Mithal of the Supreme Court of India addressed the valedictory session, stressing the importance of legal education in strengthening justice delivery systems. He highlighted constitutional principles, judicial integrity and professional responsibility as foundational to an effective legal system.

The valedictory session concluded with the announcement of results and the presentation of awards recognising excellence in research, advocacy and overall performance.

The competition reaffirmed the role of academic and policy institutions in promoting advanced study and practical engagement in international trade law and global economic governance.