HPNLU Shimla Hosts 3rd Samanvay International Mediation Competition 2025
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the leadership of its Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, successfully hosted the 3rd Samanvay International Mediation Competition (SIMC) 2025 from September 18–20 and October 13–15, 2025. The event was organized by the University's Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Cell and saw participation from 33 premier law institutions, including several National Law Universities and international teams such as the National University of Singapore.
The competition was conducted in a hybrid format, culminating in the offline quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals held at the HPNLU campus, Shimla. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena along with eminent guests and mediation professionals. The event aimed to promote the ethos of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and enhance participants' advocacy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills beyond traditional litigation frameworks.
A special training session held on October 13, 2025, was conducted by Ms. Divya Rao (Founder, JurisGyan) and Mr. Aditya Aryan (PACT), offering valuable insights into mediation strategies and ethical communication. The quarterfinal and semifinal rounds on October 14 witnessed commendable performances by participating teams, followed by the final rounds and valedictory ceremony on October 15, 2025.
Mrs. Priyanka Khenal, Shri S.D. Gill, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Mr. Ruwan Wathukarage, Mediator, Sydney, Mr. Corrado More, Italy Mediator, at the SIMC, 2024 organized by ADRC, HPNLU, Shimla |
The final round was judged by a distinguished panel comprising Mr. Corrado Mora (International Mediator & ADR Consultant), Mr. Ruwan Wathukarage (Sydney-based Commercial Barrister and Mediator), Mrs. Priyanka Khenal (Mediator, DCDRC Shimla), Mr. Surender Gill (Senior Advocate, Corporate and Banking Law), and Dr. Santosh Kumar Sharma (Dean, Academic Affairs, HPNLU Shimla).
Prof Priti Saxena, VC, HPNLU and Prof Alok Kumar, Registrar, HPNLU felicitating |
The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Hon'ble Mr. Justice C. B. Barowalia, Lokayukta, Himachal Pradesh and Chairman, HP State Human Rights Commission, as the Chief Guest. Shri Hamender Singh Chandel, President, HP High Court Bar Association, attended as the Special Guest, while Mr. Ruwan Wathukarage served as the Guest of Honour. The dignitaries underscored the importance of mediation as a tool for promoting peace and justice, describing it as both a “form of meditation” and a “win-win process” that restores dialogue and understanding between disputing parties.
Award Winners:
- Best Mediator (Winner): Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Best Negotiating Pair (Winners): Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
- Runner-Up Mediator: University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University
- Runner-Up Negotiating Pair & Best Mediator (Preliminary Rounds): Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
- Best Mediation Plan: Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab
- Best Negotiating Pair (Preliminary Rounds): National Law University, Jodhpur
Winners of SIMC 2025 HNLU Raipur (Best negotiating pair) with Justice C.B. Barowalia, Lokayuta, HP, Shri Hamender Singh Chandel, President, HP HC Bar Association, Prof Priti Saxena, VC, HPNLU and Dr. Ruchi Gupta |
The competition received sponsorship and institutional support from JurisGyan, SCC Online, SCC Times, A5 Legal, PACT, Indian Dispute Resolution Centre, PSL Advocates & Solicitors, and Nishith Desai Associates, among others.
L-R Dr. Ruchi Gupta, Chairperson, ADRC, Prof Priti Saxena, VC, HPNLU, Justice C.B. Barowalia, Lokayukta, HP, Shri Hamender Singh Chandel, President, HP HC Bar Association, Prof Alok Kumar, Registrar, HPNLU at SIMC2025 |
Delivering the event report, Dr. Ruchi Gupta, Faculty Coordinator, ADR Cell, highlighted SIMC's growing reputation as one of India's leading mediation competitions. Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar, Registrar, HPNLU, extended a formal Vote of Thanks to all dignitaries, sponsors, and participants.
The 3rd edition of SIMC reaffirmed HPNLU Shimla's commitment to advancing the cause of Alternative Dispute Resolution and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals equipped with skills of dialogue, empathy, and collaboration