A prestigious international moot court event inviting law students to argue complex legal issues on liability and responsibility in outer space.
About Gujarat National Law University (GNLU)
The Space Law Moot Court Competition at GNLU Gandhinagar 2026 is being hosted by Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, one of India’s premier National Law Universities, known for its interdisciplinary research culture and leadership in niche legal domains such as air and space law. Established to promote global standards of legal education, GNLU has consistently expanded its academic horizon through world-class research centres, international conferences, specialised training academies and policy-oriented programmes.
Through its V.S. Mani Centre for Air and Space Law, GNLU has positioned itself as a national hub for aerospace law research and capacity building. The university’s commitment to advancing space law scholarship is evident through initiatives like the GNLU Air and Space Law Academy and customised training for the Indian Armed Forces. Hosting the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition Asia-Pacific Rounds 2026 strengthens GNLU’s vision of integrating academia, industry, government agencies and international institutions on one collaborative platform.
About the Space Law Moot Court Competition at GNLU Gandhinagar 2026
The Space Law Moot Court Competition at GNLU Gandhinagar 2026, formally known as the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition (Asia-Pacific Regional Rounds), will be conducted from 02 to 05 April 2026. Organised annually by the International Institute of Space Law (IISL), this competition is universally regarded as the most prestigious moot court event in the field of space law.
The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Liability and Responsibility for Space Activities of Non-Governmental Corporate Actors,” examining the rapidly evolving legal landscape surrounding private sector participation in space missions. The competition is structured in two stages — Stage 1 Memorial Evaluation and Stage 2 Oral Pleading Rounds conducted at the GNLU campus. The winning team will represent the Asia-Pacific region at the World Finals in Antalya, Turkey, during the International Astronautical Congress 2026, where rounds are traditionally judged by sitting judges of the International Court of Justice, providing participants an unparalleled professional experience.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date of Team Registration | 15 January 2026 |
| Clarification Response by Problem Author | 31 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Memorial Submission | 15 February 2026 |
| Qualified Teams Announcement | 25 February 2026 |
| Oral Rounds | 02 – 04 April 2026 |
| International Conference on Space Law | 05 April 2026 |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline
Venue: Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
The Space Law Moot Court Competition at GNLU Gandhinagar 2026 will be conducted physically on the GNLU campus, offering participants the opportunity to experience an immersive international-standard moot environment, interact with global experts in aerospace law, and engage in academic discussions on emerging issues of space commercialization and international responsibility.
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | April 2026 |
| Working Hours | As per official moot schedule |
| Supervisor / Mentor | IISL Experts, GNLU Faculty, VSMCASL Team |
Eligibility & Requirements
The Space Law Moot Court Competition at GNLU Gandhinagar 2026 is open to students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate law programmes including LL.B., J.D., LL.M. or equivalent degrees, provided they are enrolled within six months prior to the commencement of oral rounds. Each recognised institution may send only one team. Teams must comply with the competition rules, demonstrate academic integrity and show advanced understanding of international space law principles, including liability regimes, state responsibility, and corporate accountability frameworks.
Team Composition
Each team shall consist of a minimum of two members and a maximum of three members. In three-member teams, all members may contribute to memorial drafting, however only two members may present oral arguments in a particular round. Two-member teams will designate both members as orators.
Registration Procedure & Fees
Teams must complete registration through the official form available on the website on or before 15 January 2026. The registration fee is divided into two stages:
- Stage 1 Memorial Evaluation:
- Indian Teams: ₹9,000
- Foreign Teams: USD 100
- Stage 2 Oral Rounds (Qualified Teams):
- Indian Teams: ₹16,000
- Foreign Teams: USD 200
Awards & Recognition
- Winner: Qualification to World Finals at Antalya, Turkey
- Runners-Up: Recognition Award
- Best Memorials: Separate awards based on final aggregate scores
- Best Oralist (Finals & Prelims): Individual honours
Contact Information
For queries related to the Space Law Moot Court Competition at GNLU Gandhinagar 2026, contact:
- Dr. Divya Tyagi – dtyagi@gnlu.ac.in | +91 8128657564
- Dr. Girish R. – rgirish@gnlu.ac.in | +91 8128650806
- Mr. Rajan Thakkar – rajan21bal082@gnlu.ac.in | +91 8200250188
- Ms. Diya Parvati – diya21bbl010@gnlu.ac.in | +91 8606008822
- Ms. Aditi Vijay – aditi21bbl001@gnlu.ac.in | +91 7338075141
