What was the outcome of the recent Intra-Semester Debate Competition at GLS University? The Faculty of Law at GLS University in Ahmedabad successfully conducted this vibrant event on April 15, 2024, providing law students with a crucial platform to sharpen their debating and public speaking skills.
What Did the Debate Competition Entail?
The Intra-Semester Debate Competition, organised under the banner of the university’s Thought Republic – Debating and Literary Society, followed the Asian Parliamentary Debate format. This format requires teams to argue both for and against assigned motions, testing their ability to think on their feet and present cogent arguments. The competition spanned several rounds, culminating in a final round that was highly competitive and well-attended by students, faculty, and legal professionals.
The debate topics were carefully chosen to reflect pressing legal and social issues relevant to Gujarat and India at large. For example, motions included discussions on the implementation of the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority’s recommendations for speedy justice, the impact of the recently amended Motor Vehicles Act on road safety in Ahmedabad district, and the efficacy of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act in Gujarat’s urban and rural areas.
Faculty members from the GLS Law School, alongside guest judges from the Gujarat High Court bar association, evaluated the participants. They provided detailed feedback, focusing on argument clarity, legal reasoning, and presentation skills.
Who Participated and How Were They Affected?
The competition featured over 40 participants representing various law programs offered by GLS University, including the five-year integrated BBA LLB and the three-year LLB courses. Students from districts such as Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara were notably active, indicating wide interest across the region.
Participants gained firsthand experience in legal argumentation, which is vital for their future careers as advocates, judges, or legal consultants. The event also enhanced their confidence in public speaking — a skill emphasized by the university’s Faculty of Law curriculum and integral to the Bar Council of India’s guidelines on legal education.
Why Did GLS University Organise This Event?
The university’s administration and the Faculty of Law view such competitions as essential tools for experiential learning. According to Prof. Mehul Shah, Head of the Faculty of Law, “Incorporating debate competitions aligns with our goal to nurture critical thinking, quick reasoning, and articulate expression among students.”
This initiative also supports the Gujarat government’s emphasis on strengthening legal education in the state, as outlined in the Gujarat State Higher Education Council’s 2023-24 directive, which encourages universities to integrate co-curricular activities with academic programs.
What Did Stakeholders Say About the Competition?
The event received positive remarks from students, faculty, and guest judges alike. Ms. Anjali Desai, a final-year law student and participant from Ahmedabad district, commented, “The competition challenged us to think deeply about current legal reforms and social issues. The judges’ feedback was invaluable for improving our argumentation skills.”
Guest judge and senior advocate Rajesh Mehta praised the university’s commitment to practical legal training, noting, “Such platforms are rare and crucial for grooming future legal professionals who can effectively participate in India’s justice system.”
What Should Students and Readers Do Next?
Law students in Gujarat interested in participating in future debate competitions or related activities should regularly check the GLS University official website and the Faculty of Law’s notice boards. The university also encourages students to join the Thought Republic – Debating and Literary Society to stay updated on upcoming events and skill-building sessions.
Additionally, aspiring legal professionals can benefit from exploring other GLS University initiatives, such as the Beyond the Classroom program or the recent screening of ‘Well Done CA Sahab’, which provide complementary learning opportunities.
For more information, contact the Faculty of Law administration office at GLS University, Nr. Ellisbridge Circle, Ahmedabad – 380006, or visit www.glsuniversity.ac.in. Students are encouraged to participate actively to enhance their legal acumen and public speaking prowess.