HPNLU Shimla Hosts Orientation for First-of-its-Kind Trial Advocacy Competition (Criminal), 2025
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Shimla, August 31, 2025: Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under its Trial Advocacy Cell and the Centre for Legal Education, organized the Orientation Programme for the HPNLU Trial Advocacy Competition (Criminal), 2025 (HTAC). The event marks a first-of-its-kind intra-university competition dedicated to developing practical trial court skills, set to run over ten months.
The programme was graced by Shri Peeyush Verma, Senior Advocate and President, Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association, as Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Shri Verma emphasized the vital role of factual investigation in trial advocacy, remarking that “a trial lawyer is an artist, and an appellate lawyer is a critic.” He also detailed the 11 stages of a criminal trial, offering students a structured perspective on criminal litigation.
Presiding over the event, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU Shimla, lauded the initiative, highlighting the need to merge procedural practice with theoretical learning. She expressed hope that HTAC 2025 would set a benchmark for experiential learning among National Law Universities across India.
Prof. Girjesh Shukla, Director, Centre for Legal Education, outlined the structure of HTAC 2025, emphasizing its holistic approach through simulations, drafting, examination, cross-examination, and arguments. Dr. Bharat Barowalia, Convener of the Trial Advocacy Cell, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
The Orientation witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 80 students, underscoring the growing interest in trial advocacy as a vital aspect of legal education.
