Shimla, Dated- 30.08.2025
The Trial Advocacy Cell, under the aegis of the Center for Legal Education, Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, successfully conducted the Orientation Program for the HPNLU Trial Advocacy Competition (Criminal), 2025 (HTAC), an intra-university competition spanning approximately ten months, aimed at developing practical trial court skills among students. The program was conducted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU Shimla, and was graced by Shri Peeyush Verma, Learned Senior Advocate and President, Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association, as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest of the event, Shri Peeyush Verma, Learned Senior Advocate and President, Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association, delivered a highly insightful and inspiring address to the students. Drawing from his vast professional experience, Shri Verma emphasized that the trial court is a court of facts, not of law, highlighting the crucial role of factual investigation and courtroom skill in trial advocacy. He encouraged students to pursue excellence with dedication, stating that “if you work hard, success is inevitable.”
Shri Verma eloquently distinguished between the roles of trial and appellate lawyers, remarking that “a trial lawyer is an artist, and an appellate lawyer is a critic,” thereby underscoring the creativity, spontaneity, and strategic presence required in trial litigation. He further elaborated on the 11 key stages of a criminal trial, offering students a detailed and structured understanding of the procedural nuances involved in the conduct of criminal cases.
The event was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU Shimla, who in her Presidential Address, provided valuable practical insights into the art and science of trial advocacy. She praised the initiative undertaken by the Trial Advocacy Cell and stressed the importance of integrating procedural practice with theoretical learning in legal education. Prof. Saxena also expressed her optimism that HTAC 2025 would set a benchmark for experiential learning in national law universities across India.
The Welcome Address was delivered by Prof. Girjesh Shukla, Director, Center for Legal Education and Professor of Law, HPNLU Shimla. Prof. Shukla termed HTAC 2025 as a “first-of-its-kind initiative among National Law Universities (NLUs)”, dedicated to the criminal trial process. He outlined the structure and procedure of the competition, which will include realistic simulations, drafting, examination-in-chief, cross-examination, arguments, and more, aimed at offering a holistic exposure to budding lawyers. He emphasized the pedagogical intent behind the competition, focusing on building core advocacy competencies and courtroom ethics.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Bharat Barowalia, Convener of the Trial Advocacy Cell and Assistant Professor of Law, HPNLU Shimla. The Orientation Program witnessed an overwhelming response with over 80 students registering for the inaugural edition of HTAC 2025. Their presence and participation underlined the growing interest in trial advocacy as a vital branch of legal practice among the law student community.
The HTAC 2025 is envisioned not merely as a competition, but as a comprehensive project that will span several months and aligns with HPNLU’s broader objective of promoting clinical legal education and equipping students with practical skills essential for courtroom practice.
