Events

TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak Law College, Kharghar, a constituent institution of Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, organised an inter-college debate competition titled “Juris Vox” on 12th September 2026 at the Seminar Hall, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Kharghar. The competition was held on the theme “Social Media: Bridge for Democratic Participation or Breeding Ground for Social Crime,” a subject of pressing contemporary and legal relevance given the growing influence of social media on public discourse, democratic participation, and incidents of social and cybercrime. Bhagubai Changu Thakur College of Law participated in the inter-collegiate debate competition with two students, Vaidehi Ware and Dipti Gaikwad, under the guidance of Principal Dr. Sanvi Deshmukh, B.A. LL.B. Coordinator Asst. Prof. Dhanashri Kadam, and Debate Society Committee In-charge Asst. Prof. Shilpa S. Rathod. The students successfully cleared all three rounds and secured the Runner-Up position in the Final Round, bringing recognition to the college. About the Topic The debate centred on the dual role of social media in contemporary society – as a platform that connects people, amplifies public voice, and supports democratic participation and awareness of social causes, while simultaneously posing risks of misinformation, online abuse, polarisation, incitement to violence, and disruption of law and order. Participants were required to examine both the constructive and destructive dimensions of social media, and to argue whether it ultimately strengthens democracy or undermines social responsibility, while balancing the prevention of criminal misuse against the protection of freedom of speech and expression. Structure of the Competition and Team’s Performance The competition was conducted in three rounds, with the side (For/Against the motion) assigned by draw of lots for each round, and teams progressing on the basis of their performance: ● Round 1 (Preliminary Round): The team argued in favour of the motion (“Pros”), supporting the position that social media serves as a bridge for democratic participation. The team qualified for the next round on the strength of this performance. ● Round 2 (Semi-Final Round): The team was assigned the opposing side (“Cons”), arguing that social media acts as a breeding ground for social crime. The team once again advanced, earning a place in the Final Round. ● Round 3 (Final Round): The team returned to arguing in favour of the motion (“Pros”). At the conclusion of the final round, the team was declared Runner-Up in the competition. Successfully arguing both sides of the same motion across the three rounds required the team to develop a comprehensive command over the subject, think on their feet, and adapt their arguments and rebuttals to shifting positions – a demanding but valuable exercise in advocacy and critical reasoning. Acknowledgement The team extends its sincere gratitude to TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak Law College, Kharghar, and Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth for organising and hosting a well-structured and intellectually stimulating competition. Heartfelt thanks are due to the esteemed panel of judges for their time, their sharp and constructive feedback, and the insightful knowledge they shared over the course of the rounds, which added immense value to the overall learning experience. Sincere appreciation is also extended to the dignitaries and organising committee of the event, including the following: ● Chief Patrons: Dr. Rohit Tilak (Hon’ble President, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Trust, Pune), Dr. Geetali Tilak (Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune), and Dr. Pranati Tilak (Hon’ble Vice-President, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Trust, Pune) ● Co-Patron: Dr. Ketki Dalvi (I/C Principal & HOD, Lokmanya Tilak Law College, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune) ● Organizers: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Varsha Badwe (Coordinator, TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak Law College, Kharghar) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gauri Kala (LLM Coordinator) ● Coordinators: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sonali Sharma, Asst. Prof. Smita Bansode, and Asst. Prof. Sapana Jaiswal The team also thanks the several other dignitaries and members of the organising team present on the occasion whose individual names are not recorded here. Their collective guidance, hospitality, and meticulous organisation of the event – from registration to the concluding session – ensured a smooth and enriching experience for all participating teams. Conclusion Participation in “Juris Vox” proved to be a wonderful and insightful experience for the team, offering valuable exposure to competitive inter-college debating, rigorous argumentation on both sides of a legally and socially significant issue, and interaction with an experienced panel of judges and faculty. Securing the position of Runner-Up in the Final Round stands as a testament to the team’s preparation, adaptability, and command over the subject, and the experience gained will serve as a strong foundation for future participation in similar academic and co-curricular events.