Advocates Should Aid the Court, Not Argue Personal Beliefs: Prof. K.V.S. Sarma
Advocates are meant to assist the court in the pursuit of justice and not express personal opinions, said Prof. K.V.S. Sarma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam. He was speaking at the inauguration of the four-day Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi 6th Virtual Moot Court Competition–2025, organised by the GITAM School of Law, on Wednesday.
Prof. Sarma urged law students to rely on facts and logic rather than emotion, noting that honesty, ethics, and clarity form the foundation of sound advocacy. “A lawyer’s duty is to help the court discover the truth, not to argue from personal belief,” he said.
He stressed the need for legal education to keep pace with emerging technologies and contemporary challenges. Future lawyers, he said, must be well-versed in cyber laws, digital evidence, and artificial intelligence to uphold high professional standards.
Highlighting the importance of effective drafting and communication, Prof. Sarma observed that clear arguments, logical structure, and respectful presentation leave a lasting impression in court.
This year’s moot court competition focuses on the increasing number of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Nearly 40 teams from law schools across the country are participating, presenting arguments before panels comprising judges, academicians, and legal practitioners. The event aims to test participants’ research, reasoning, and advocacy skills in a simulated courtroom setting.
Prof. Sarma said such competitions help students gain confidence, discipline, and the ability to apply legal principles in practice.
Former president of the Visakhapatnam Bar Association, Vydyula Ravindra Prasad, attended as guest of honour. He spoke about the rise in drug-related offences in Visakhapatnam and urged young lawyers to understand both the legal and social dimensions of such crimes. Strict enforcement, he said, must be balanced with compassion and public awareness.
The competition will conclude with final rounds judged by senior members of the judiciary and academia. Students, faculty, and legal professionals from across the country are attending the event.