Organized By: Bhagubai Changu Thakur College of Law, New Panvel Institutional Patronage: Janardan Bhagat Shikshan Prasarak (JBSP) Sanstha Theme: “Artificial Intelligence and the Right to Privacy”
Under the able guidance of the respected Principal, Dr. Sanavi Deshmukh, Shastrarth 2.0, a Moot Court and Judgment Writing Competition, was successfully organized on 14th & 15th March, 2026 by Bhagubai Changu Thakur College of Law, New Panvel. The event aimed to provide a comprehensive platform for budding legal professionals to engage with contemporary legal issues, enhance advocacy skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the intersection between emerging technologies and fundamental rights.
The programme commenced with an inaugural ceremony marked by the traditional lighting of the lamp. Ms. Chaitrali Kane, Student Council President, introduced the programme and highlighted the legacy of the Janardan Bhagat Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha (JBSP), founded in 1992 by Late Shri Janardan Bhagat Saheb.
Assistant Professor Neha Kachi, Faculty In-charge, emphasized the significance of Artificial Intelligence and the Right to Privacy in the present legal landscape, underlining the growing relevance of data protection and digital rights.
The welcome address was delivered by Principal Dr. Sanavi Deshmukh, who highlighted the institution’s commitment to nurturing competent and socially responsible legal professionals. The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice Govinda Anandrao Sanap (Former Judge, Bombay High Court), a distinguished jurist known for his involvement in significant cases such as the 1993 Mumbai Serial Blast and 26/11 Terror Attack cases.
Esteemed dignitaries including Shri Ramsheth Thakur (Chairman), Shri Arunsheth Bhagat (President), Shri Y.T. Deshmukh (Vice Chairman), Dr. S.T. Gadade (Secretary), and Shri Rahul Gharat (Member) of JBSP Sanstha were also present on the occasion.
The theme, “Artificial Intelligence and the Right to Privacy,” formed the core of the competition, highlighting the growing need to balance technological innovation with the protection of individual rights. Asst. Prof. Neha Kachi, Faculty Convener, described Shastrarth as a platform where academic knowledge meets practical application and encouraged participants to critically examine emerging legal challenges.
The competition comprised rigorous moot court rounds along with a judgment writing segment. The preliminary rounds were evaluated by an esteemed panel of advocates including Adv. Chandrakant Nikam, Adv. Swapnil Patil, Adv. Dr. Aswini Singh, Adv. Ashwin Advani, Adv. Kameela Diler, and Adv. Shreema Doshi. Additional judges such as Adv. Saurabh Bhutala, Adv. Kalyani Mangave, Adv. Nirmal Chopda, Adv. Dhwani Chopda, Adv. Nilesh Bagade, and Adv. Mahesh Swami also contributed to the evaluation process.
The semi-final round was adjudicated by Adv. Ajay Patil, State Public Prosecutor with extensive experience in criminal and CBI matters, along with Adv. Gajanan Chavan, a distinguished legal practitioner from Thane.
The valedictory session marked the successful conclusion of the event and acknowledged the valuable support of Principal Dr. Sanavi Deshmukh, Shri Rahul Gharat (JBSP Sanstha), Adv. Manoj Bhujbal (Advisory Committee), and Dr. S.T. Gadade (Secretary, JBSP Sanstha).
Guests of Honour included Hon’ble Shri Sheetal Kumar Sethia, Senior Professor, University of Mumbai (Law Department), and Hon’ble Shri Gokul Narayan, CEO of Cyber School of Law, experts in constitutional, cyber, and information technology law. During the session, Shri Gokul Narayan announced special scholarships as follows:
● 100% scholarship for winners
● 50% scholarship for participants
● 25% scholarship for volunteers of the college
The event was gracefully anchored by Ms. Ravnish Bector Ma’am, whose excellent anchoring ensured clarity, engagement, and smooth flow throughout the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and closing address by Dhanashree Kadam Ma’am, who appreciated the efforts of all participants, organizers, and volunteers.
Winners and Achievements
The competition witnessed outstanding performances from participants across various prestigious institutions. The winners are as follows:
Additional Winners
● Best Mooter – Winner: Dharmashastra National Law University
● Best Researcher (Researcher Test): Advocate Balasaheb Apte Law College
● Runner-Up (Researcher Test) & Runner-Up – Judgment Writing:
Dharmashastra National Law University
Best Memorial
● Winner Team: Dr. Ambedkar College of Law, Wadala
● Runner-Up Team: KLE College of Law, Navi Mumbai
Judgment Writing
● Winner: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel
Moot Court Competition
● Winner Team: Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai
● Runner-Up Team: Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Law, Nerul
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shastrarth 2.0 proved to be a highly enriching and intellectually stimulating experience. The event successfully fostered legal acumen, critical
thinking, and professional competence among students, preparing them to address complex legal challenges in the evolving domain of law and technology.
