Moot Court | Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition | Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds | GNLU Gandhinagar | Register before 15th Jan 2026

Moot Court | Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition | Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds | GNLU Gandhinagar | Register before 15th Jan 2026

Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds at Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar:

Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, proudly announces the Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition 2026, scheduled from April 2–5, 2026.

About the Competition:

The Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, organized annually by the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), is recognized worldwide as the leading moot in the field of space law. It offers law students a rare opportunity to explore the evolving legal frameworks governing outer space and to argue complex issues before distinguished panels.

This regional edition is hosted in collaboration with the V.S. Mani Centre for Air and Space Law (VSMCASL) at GNLU. The Centre, inspired by the vision of Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Mani, serves as a hub for advanced research and training in air and space law. Through initiatives such as the GNLU Air and Space Law Academy (GASLA) and specialized programs for the Indian Armed Forces, the Centre bridges academia, industry, and policy, fostering dialogue on pressing challenges like space safety and commercial regulation.

World Finals:

Winners of the Asia-Pacific rounds will advance to the World Finals in Antalya, Turkey, during the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in October 2026. A hallmark of this competition is that the World Finals are judged by sitting members of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), offering participants an unparalleled experience.

Theme for 2026:

“Liability and Responsibility for Space Activities of Non-Governmental Corporate Actors”
This year’s problem examines the accountability of private entities in the commercialization of space, addressing contemporary debates on liability and responsibility in outer space activities.

Competition Format:

• Stage 1: Memorial Evaluation
• Stage 2: Oral Pleading Rounds at GNLU, Gandhinagar
• The winning team will represent the Asia-Pacific region at the World Finals.

Eligibility:

• Open to students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate law programs (LL.B., J.D., LL.M., or equivalent).
• Enrollment must be within six months prior to the oral rounds.
• Each institution may send one team only.

Team Composition:

• Teams must have 2–3 members.
• In three-member teams, all may assist in memorial preparation, but only two may argue orally in a round.
• In two-member teams, both are designated as orators.

Venue:

Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar

Registration & Fees:

• Deadline: January 15, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
• Stage 1 Fee: INR 9,000 (Indian teams) / USD 100 (foreign teams)
• Stage 2 Fee: INR 16,000 (Indian teams) / USD 200 (foreign teams)
• Registration is via the official website form.

Awards:

• Regional Winner: Trophy + qualification for World Finals
• Runner-up: Recognition award
• Best Memorials: Based on aggregate scores
• Best Oralist (Final Round) and Best Oralist (Preliminary Rounds): Individual awards

Important Dates:

• Team Registration Deadline: 15 January 2026
• Clarifications Response: 31 January 2026 (subject to IISL Committee decision)
• Memorial Submission: 15 February 2026
• Qualified Teams Announcement: 25 February 2026
• Oral Rounds: 2–4 April 2026
• International Conference on Space Law: 5 April 2026

Contact Details:

• Dr. Divya Tyagi – Regional Organiser dtyagi@gnlu.ac.in +91 8128657564
• Dr. Girish R. – Faculty Convenor rgirish@gnlu.ac.in +91 8128650806
• Mr. Rajan Thakkar – Student Convenor rajan21bal082@gnlu.ac.in +91 8200250188
• Ms. Diya Parvati – Student Convenor diya21bbl010@gnlu.ac.in +91 8606008822
• Ms. Aditi Vijay – Student Convenor aditi21bbl001@gnlu.ac.in +91 7338075141

For More Information:

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