Smt. Sushma Swaraj Memorial National Parliamentary Debate 2026 | Law Centre II, University of Delhi,

The Debate and Discussion Society of Law Centre II, University of Delhi, is proud to announce the Second Edition of the Smt. Sushma Swaraj Memorial National Parliamentary Debate. Scheduled for March 28th – 29th, 2026, this event serves as a “Lighthouse” for budding orators, encouraging academic analysis of pressing socio-legal issues through the lens of parliamentary deliberation.

About the Host: Law Centre II

Established in 1971, Law Centre II is a premier legal institution situated in the heart of Delhi University. Known for its rich history of producing legal luminaries, the Centre provides a “Research-Focused Scholarship” environment that nurtures the intellectual growth of nearly 3,000 students.

The Spirit of Parliamentary Debate

A National Parliamentary Debate is a rigorous simulation of legislative deliberation. It transcends simple argumentation by requiring participants to apply analytical rigor to complex motions.

Participants are expected to:

• Engage in constitutional analysis and policy reasoning.
• Demonstrate logical reasoning and informed dissent.
• Maintain the highest standards of professional discipline and decorum.
• Articulate evidence-based stances to persuade a panel of adjudicators.

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The Motion: Second Edition

“This House Believes That Accountability Through Punishment is Necessary to Address Juvenile Delinquency.”

This motion strikes at the core of the Indian criminal justice system. Participants will be challenged to perform an academic analysis of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, balancing the reformative theory of punishment against the societal demand for accountability in cases of heinous crimes.

Key Areas of Deliberation:

• Constitutional Morality: Balancing the rights of the child with the rights of the victim.
• Criminological Theories: Deterrence vs. Reformation.
• Legislative Intent: Analyzing the shift in policy following the 2015 amendments.
• Socio-Legal Challenges: Addressing the root causes of youth crime in contemporary India.

Competition Structure

The event follows an intense knockout format designed to test the resilience and consistency of the participants:

1. Preliminary Rounds (Offline): 32 teams will compete in two qualifying rounds, arguing both ‘For’ and ‘Against’ the motion.
2. Quarterfinals: The top 8 teams enter the knockout phase.
3. Semifinals: A high-stakes clash between the winners of the quarterfinals.
4. Grand Finale: The final two teams battle for the championship title at Umang Bhawan.

Rules of Engagement:

• Speaking Time: 6 minutes for the main speech + 1 minute for the conclusion.
• Rebuttals: Followed by intense judicial questioning by the bench.
• Language: Strictly parliamentary and respectful.

Event Timeline & Venue

Registration Details

Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, capped at 32 teams. A maximum of two teams per institution is allowed.

Awards & Recognition

The competition rewards analytical rigor and persuasive excellence with a total cash pool of ₹16,000:

• Winner Team: ₹7,000 + Trophy & Certificate
• Runner-Up Team: ₹5,000 + Trophy & Certificate
• Best Debater: ₹4,000 + Trophy & Certificate
• Participation: All attendees receive certificates during the Valedictory Ceremony.

Case Law Insight:

Debaters are encouraged to research landmark precedents such as Salil Bali v. Union of India (2013) and the subsequent developments in juvenile law to ground their arguments in judicial reality.

Contact Information

For further information, please reach out to the student organizing team:

• AB Raja Choudhary (Student Convenor): +91 9864978914
• Aditya Shukla (Student Co-Convenor): +91 77728 50326

Click here to Register