First Edition

The first edition of the CNLU National Mediation Competition, 2023, was inaugurated in a virtual ceremony on 21 January 2023, under the aegis of the Chanakya Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution. The Inaugural Ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Mr. Tariq Khan (Registrar, IAMC-Hyderabad), Vice-Chancellor Justice Mridula Mishra (Retd.), Registrar Mr. Manoranjan Prasad Srivastava, and other faculty members. Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Dr. Anushman (Judges, Patna High Court), Mr. Varun Pathak (Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.), Ms. Ankit Khushu (Partner, Kachwaha & Partners), and Mr. Rama Subramanian (Professional Mediator), among others, judged the final rounds, which was followed by a valedictory ceremony in the presence of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, then Chief Justice of Patna High Court.

Second Edition

The second edition of the CNLU National Mediation Competition, 2024, was inaugurated in a virtual ceremony on 17 February 2024. The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Ms. Alix Povey (COO, Mediation Chambers), Mr. Param Bhamra (Founding Partner, Mediate Guru), Ms. Mahak Rathee (Founder, ADR HOC), Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, Registrar Prof. (Dr.) S.P. Singh, and other faculty members. Renowned experts such as Mr. Rama Subramanian and Ms. Vagisha, among others, adjudicated the final rounds, which concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony.

Third Edition

The third edition of the CNLU National Mediation Competition, 2025, was inaugurated in a virtual ceremony on 24 January 2025. The Inaugural Ceremony was attended by Keynote Speaker Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Guest Speakers Mr. Param Bhamra and Ms. Mahak Rathee, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, Registrar Prof. (Dr.) S.P. Singh, and other faculty members. Renowned experts such as Mr. Mayank Mishra, Mr. Vikash Kumar Jha, and Mr. Diwakar Maheshwari adjudicated the final rounds, which concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony.

Fourth Edition

The fourth edition of the CNLU National Mediation Competition, 2026, was successfully hosted in a hybrid format, in collaboration with ADP Law Offices, HSA Advocates, and Panag, Babu & Sarangi. The Inaugural Ceremony, held on 10 January 2026, was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Sukhsimranjit Singh, Ph.D. (mediator and arbitrator, JAMS) and Guest of Honour Mr. Siddharth Jha (Counsel, SIMC), alongside a mediation training session by Dr. Ashu Dhiman (Chief Advisor, MediateGuru).

The final rounds were adjudged by Mrs. Nivedita Nirvkar (Designated Senior Advocate, Patna High Court), Mr. Amaresh Kumar Singh (Senior Partner, HSA Advocates), Mr. Shodhan Babu (Founding Partner, Panag & Babu Law Offices), Mr. W. Patrick McPhilamy III (SIMI Accredited Mediator and Chartered Arbitrator), and Mr. Joe Tirado (International Arbitrator, former ICSID Conciliator). The competition concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony at the CNLU campus, addressed by Registrar Prof. (Dr.) S.P. Singh, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Faizan Mustafa, along with the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and Guests of Eminence.

Fifth Edition – 2027

Building on the resounding success of its four previous editions, the Chanakya Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CCADR) is proud to announce the Fifth Edition of its flagship CNLU National Mediation Competition, which promises to be a grander and more enriching experience.

The 2026-27 edition will once again adopt a hybrid format. The Online Rounds are scheduled for 16th–17th January 2027, with the results for the Top 8 Teams to be released between 17th–18th January 2027, followed by the Offline Rounds to be held at the CNLU campus on 13th–14th February 2027.

The very objective of organizing this Mediation Competition is to inculcate a deep sense of understanding of the complexities and intricacies of the mediation process by enabling students to learn and interact with experienced practitioners, distinguished luminaries, and esteemed academicians in the field. This national-level event is expected to witness enthusiastic participation from prestigious universities and colleges across India, furthering its legacy as a premier ADR competition.