The 14th Padma Vibhushan N. A. Palkhivala Memorial National Moot Court & Research Paper Competition by Maharashtra National Law University

The 14th Padma Vibhushan N. A. Palkhivala Memorial National Moot Court & Research Paper Competition organised by Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai in collaboration with The All India Federation of Tax Practitioners – West Zone and the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Bar Association, Mumbai was officially inaugurated on 17th October, 2024. This prestigious virtual competition has attracted an impressive participation of 76 teams from 18 states across India, including National Law Universities, esteemed private institutions, and government law colleges, reflecting its widespread national significance.

The inaugural ceremony was inaugurated by esteemed legal luminaries, including Hon’ble Justice C.V. Bhadang, President of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. Distinguished guests like Adv. Shasank Mithaiwala (Chairman, AIFTP West Zone), Adv. Narayan P Jain (National President, AIFTP), Sr. Adv. Porus F Kaka (President, ITAT Bar Association, Mumbai), and Dr. K. Sivaram (Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court) addressed the attendees. Their insightful words highlighted the importance of supporting young law students through competitions like this, which help them develop skills in both advocacy and legal research.

This year’s Moot Court Competition offers a prize pool of Rs. 40,000 for the winning team, with Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 for the runner-up and second runner-up, respectively. Awards for Best Speaker, Researcher, and Memorials will carry Rs. 10,000 each. Meanwhile, the 14th Padma Vibhushan N. A. Palkhivala Memorial National Research Paper Competition saw 56 teams from 15 states submit papers on key topics like the Income Tax Act and Finance Bill (2), 2024 and the new Tax Regime. The top three papers will earn Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,500, and Rs. 5,000, with the winning entry gaining national recognition through publication in the All India Federation of Tax Practitioners’ Journal and on the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal’s website.

The ceremony marks the beginning of an exciting and intellectually enriching journey for the participants, reaffirming the competition’s significance in fostering legal excellence among India’s future advocates.