15th GLC INTERNATIONAL LAW SUMMIT 2025.jpg

GREETINGS!

It gives us immense pleasure to present to you the 15th Government Law College International Law Summit, 2025, organised by the Students for the Promotion of International Law (SPIL), Mumbai.

At SPIL Mumbai, we have always believed that true learning goes beyond textbooks. This event is a testament to that belief, bringing together students, professors, and professionals to engage in discussions that are truly practical.

This Summit is more than just an academic discourse; it is a platform for those who appreciate the delicate balance between legal obligations and environmental responsibility. Participants will have the chance to engage with some of the brightest minds in the field—renowned experts, scholars, and practitioners whose insights have influenced and shaped the world of international law.

The Summit offers a space where passionate individuals can come together, not just to debate and analyse, but to spark ideas that may lead to real change.

We invite you to be part of an event that promises to inspire, challenge, and connect us all in our shared mission.

The Theme

International Environmental Law

In an era where the world is increasingly interconnected, the challenges we face are no longer confined by borders. One of the most pressing concerns that transcend national boundaries is the environmental harm. From the devastating impacts of climate change to the rapid depletion of natural resources, the urgency of safeguarding our planet is undeniable. As global citizens, we are called to rise above the confines of our individual nations and confront the environmental crises that threaten the very fabric of our future and existence.

In response to this call, SPIL, Mumbai has chosen International Environmental Law as the theme for the 15th Government Law College International Law Summit, 2025. This theme is not just a reflection of the pressing need for collective global action, but also an exploration of the intricate legal frameworks that govern how nations interact with, and protect, the environment.

International Environmental Law offers a robust platform to examine the balance between development and environmental protection, where treaties and conventions become the guiding force in shaping sustainable futures. By engaging with this theme, participants will be asked to critically analyse the role of international treaties in addressing urgent global challenges like climate change, biodiversity conservation, transboundary pollution, and the regulation of hazardous waste. These issues, complex as they are, demand cooperation beyond borders, innovation in legal frameworks, and a steadfast commitment to preserving our planet for future generations.

The chosen theme not only underscores the urgency of environmental action but also emphasises the role of law in achieving meaningful progress. Participants will explore the role of international treaties, the responsibilities of states, and the balance between development and environmental protection, fostering a deeper understanding of the legal tools necessary to confront one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Through this prestigious gathering of like-minded individuals, SPIL Mumbai aims to inspire young legal minds to engage in the global discourse on sustainability, armed with the understanding that the Law holds the power to not only shape policies but also ensure that the environmental challenges of our time are met with action.

Annual Publication 2025

The SNAPSHOT

SEGMENTS OF THE SUMMIT

Judgment Deliberation Competition MMXXV

JDC Overview

The Judgment Deliberation Competition (JDC)© is a novel competition conceptualised within the portals of Government Law College, Mumbai and been inspired by the procedures of various judicial bodies and tribunals that span the spectrum of international law.

JDC brings a fresh approach to problem analysis and judgment making, requiring participants to, upon analysis of facts presented and arguments advanced, arrive at a unique judgment that is infallible in law, rational in thought, and innovative in its essence.

The Competition Module comprises a case file of a wide connotation, such that it will invite varied interpretations that not only attract established legal principles, but also encourage thought innovation that is based on legal analysis and rational thinking.

The aforementioned Module for the Competition, will consist of a comprehensive set of facts discovered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), arguments presented by both parties, any further evidence (if any), and so forth.

The Competition consists of two rounds: the first, Written Judgment Round, and the second, Deliberation Round. Written Judgments must be submitted to the organisers within the declared deadline, while the Deliberation Rounds shall take place during the course of the Summit itself.

JDC MMXXV

Module of the Competition:

The Competition Module for the 15th Judgment Deliberation Competition© JDC, MMXXV, was centered on most pressing and urgent matters in the International Environmental Law (IEL), including the implementation of IEL frameworks.

Key issues in the Module included accountability for transboundary environmental harm, state responsibility in preventing environmental degradation, and protecting indigenous communities reliant on native lands.

The Module also explored whether the international legal framework should recognise ecocide as the fifth international crime under the Rome Statute of ICC to strengthen environmental action, accountability, initiatives and frameworks.

This nuanced approach encouraged participants to think critically about the strengths and limitations of existing legal structures in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

The Module was drafted by Mr. Shoaib Shaikh, the President of SPIL, Mumbai, with the able assistance of Ms. Anuja Adukathil, Vice President of SPIL, Mumbai and Mr. Aditya Kumar, Core Member of SPIL, Mumbai.

The Module was meticulously reviewed by Dr. Amal Sethi, Lecturer (Asst. Prof.) of Public Law, University of Leicester and Mr. Rohit Bokil, Faculty in-charge of SPIL, Mumbai, thereby ensuring its coherence and academic rigour.

Hon'ble Marking Judges of the Competition:

The Written Judgment Round was judged by the following Marking Judges:

Mr. Advait Gokhale, L.L.M, GLC, Mumbai;
Dr. Jiya Matharani, Assistant Professor of Law, NLU, Delhi;
Mr. Koudinya Somayaji, Legal Counsel at Sasken Technologies;
Mr. Samridh Kahsyap Shastry, Policy Analyst, CUTS International;
Ms. Shambhavi T, Assistant Professor of International Environmental Law, Vinayaka Mission’s Law School;
Ms. Shyama Kuriakose, Researcher and Professor;
Ms. Umam H. Immigration Lawyer, LL.M, International Law, Ascend.

The Preliminary Level was presided over by the following Marking Judges:

Ms. Alessandra Shroff, Jr. Counsel at Chambers of Sr. Adv. Cyrus Ardeshir, Hon’ble Bombay High Court;
Dr. Amrisha Pandey, Associate Partner, Quadrant Legal;
Dr. Katiyani Juneja, Associate Professor, ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad;
Ms. Manasi Bhushan, Advocate, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and Founder of Chamber Manasi Bhushan;
Ms. Nidhi Hanji, Environmental Lawyer;
Ms. Sumana Roychowdhury, Associate, W.S. Kane and Co.

The Semi-Final Level was presided over by the following Marking Judges:

Mr. Agastya Sreenivasan, Associate, Solomon and Co.;
Ms. Aarika Raina, Lawyer and Founder, Auritron Tech Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.;
Ms. Aarti Sathe, Independent Counsel, Hon’ble Bombay High Court
Ms. Dhruti Kapadia, International Arbitrator, Mediator, Solicitor, Advocate-on-Record at the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India;
Ms. Jane Cox, Legal Counsel, Hon’ble Bombay High Court;
Mr. Koundinya Somayaji, Legal Counsel, Sasken Technologies;
Ms. Madeeha Majid, Lawyer and Human Rights Advocate;
Ms. Neelomi Popat, Lawyer, Hon’ble Bombay High Court;
Ms. Shreya Jha, Advocate, Hon’ble Bombay High Court.

The Final Level was presided over by the following Marking Judges:

Mr. Pradeep Sancheti, Senior Advocate, Hon’ble Bombay High Court;
Ms. Gayatri Singh, Senior Advocate, Hon’ble Bombay High Court;
Mr. Kishu Daswani, Professor, Government Law College, Mumbai.

Winners of the Competition:

BEST TEAM:
Ms. Lavanya Hajare & Ms. Anushka More from Government Law College, Mumbai

RUNNER-UP TEAM:
Mr. Aryan Milind Jadhav & Mr. Parth Kapoor from O.P. Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat

BEST WRITTEN JUDGMENT
Ms. Lavanya Hajare & Ms. Anushka More from Government Law College, Mumbai

BEST SPEAKER
Mr. Prithvi Rindhe from Government Law College, Mumbai

-:Important Documents:-

Panel Discussion MMXXV

Redefining the Scope of the ICC's Jurisdiction:

Recognition of Ecocide as the Fifth International Crime

The Panel Discussion is a flagship segment of the Summit where distinguished panellists, acclaimed for their expertise, offer deep insights into the selected theme, presenting nuanced perspectives and actionable solutions. This interactive session fosters audience engagement, enabling attendees to pose thought-provoking questions and contribute meaningfully to the discourse.

This year's Panel Discussion, organised by SPIL, Mumbai, at Government Law College, Mumbai, on the 8th Day of March 2025, sought to explore the evolving scope of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction by advocating for the recognition of ecocide as the fifth international crime under the Rome Statute.

With mounting environmental degradation and its catastrophic effects on ecosystems and human populations, the need to address large-scale environmental destruction as a crime of international concern has become increasingly urgent. The Discussion delved into the legal, political, and ethical challenges of incorporating ecocide into the ICC’s framework and examined the potential ramifications of this recognition for global environmental governance and justice.

The topic for Panel Discussion MMXXV was “Redefining the Scope of The ICC’s Jurisdiction: Should Ecocide be Recognised as the Fifth International Crime.”

It was Moderated by Mr. Rohit Bokil and panelled by Mr. Aditya Raut, Prof. Kishu Daswani, Ms. Jojo Mehta, and Ms. Nidhi Jamwal.

For further details, please click on the below link:

Panel Discussion MMXXV

8 March 2025, 14:00–16:00|Auditorium, Government Law College

Judgment Deliberation Competition MMXXV

Registration Form for Judgment Deliberation Competition© (JDC), 2025

Name of the Affiliated Institute

Same shall appear on certificates.

Team Member 1 - Name

Same shall appear on certificates.

Team Member 1 - Course (For example: BA LL.B; LL.M)

Team Member 1 - Batch (For example: V-IV, III-I, LLM-I etc.)

Team Member 1 - Email ID

Team Member 1 - WhatsApp Number

Team Member 1 - Identity Proof (College ID or College Fee Receipt)

Team Member 2 - Name

Same shall appear on certificates.

Team Member 2 - Course (For example: BA LL.B; LL.M)

Team Member 2 - Batch (For example: V-IV, III-I, LLM-I etc.)

Team Member 2 - Email ID

Team Member 2 - WhatsApp Number

Team Member 2 - Identity Proof (College ID or College Fee Receipt)

Transaction ID

Proof of Payment

Don't miss any updates. Subscribe to our newsletter.

The Keynote Address

The Keynote Addresses are a distinguished highlight of the Summit's Opening Ceremony, serving to set the stage for the event and establish its tone. This pivotal Segment features compelling speeches delivered by esteemed dignitaries and legal luminaries, whose words inspire and engage the audience while reflecting the essence of the Summit. Their insights provide a foundation for the discussions and deliberations that follow, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.

The year's Keynote Address was given by Ms. Rujuta Bankar, the then Assistant Director of the Regional Directorate (Western Region), MCA, GOI. Her address delved into the nuances of International Environmental Law in corporate governance, sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Ms. Bankar's profound insights on the interplay between environmental regulation and corporate governance left a lasting impact on the attendees, encouraging them to reflect on the globally pressing environmental issues.

The Keynote Address is a pivotal part of the Summit, providing attendees with the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and perspectives from distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

This Segment continues to offer an unparalleled opportunity to hear from thought leaders and visionaries whose contributions to the legal and academic spheres are widely celebrated.

Her address delved into the nuances of International Environmental Law in c-

Unveiling of the GLC-SPIL International Law Journal Vol. V MMXXV

The GLC-SPIL International Law Journal (ILJ) is a prestigious annual publication by SPIL Mumbai, dedicated to advancing academic discourse in the dynamic field of international law. As a double-blind, peer-reviewed open-access journal, the ILJ provides a platform for scholars, legal practitioners, and students to contribute high-quality research, critical analyses, and thought-provoking commentaries.

Each edition of the ILJ features a diverse array of topics, encompassing public and private international law, transnational commercial law, human rights, environmental law, and related areas. By addressing contemporary legal issues, the Journal seeks to foster intellectual exchange and inspire innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

The ILJ is curated by a highly regarded Editorial Board committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and scholarly excellence. As part of the Summit, the Journal not only disseminates knowledge but also serves as a space for meaningful dialogue, where legal professionals and students can engage with emerging perspectives and deepen their understanding of international law.

This edition of the Summit unveiled the Fifth Volume of the Journal, which focused on the International Environmental Law and invited entries from across the country and beyond.

This Edition seeks to spotlight critical issues that shape environmental policies, legal frameworks, and cross-border cooperation efforts, providing a platform for innovative ideas and forward-looking solutions.

The Journal was unveiled before the auspicious panel comprising of the following:

Mr. Aditya Raut, Associate Partner at M/s Desai Desai Carrimjee & Mulla;
Prof. Kishu Daswani, Professor at GLC, Mumbai;
Ms. Jojo Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Stop Ecocide International;
Ms. Nidhi Jamwal, Environmental Journalist;
Mr. Rohit Bokil, Faculty In-Charge of SPIL, Mumbai;
Ms. Anuja Adukatil, Vice President and Chief Managing Editor, GLC-SPIL ILJ Vol V.

Please click on the link below to access the Journal:

SPIL Annual Souvenir MMXXV

The SPIL Annual Souvenir, 2025, was unveiled during the Inaugural Ceremony in the presence of distinguished guests, including Ms. Rujuta Bankar, Guest Speaker for the Keynote Address 2025; Prof. Rooprekha Chhabria and Asst. Prof. Rohit Bokil, Faculty In-Charges of SPIL, Mumbai; and Mr. Shoaib Shaikh, President of SPIL, Mumbai.

The SPIL Souvenir is a distinguished feature of the Summit, serving as a comprehensive chronicle of SPIL Mumbai’s year-round activities. This publication captures the essence of the Organisation’s endeavours, highlighting major events, initiatives, and accomplishments that reflect its dedication to advancing international legal education and discourse.

Beyond showcasing SPIL Mumbai’s achievements, the Souvenir serves as a valuable platform for recognising the contributions of the Summit’s sponsors. By featuring their support prominently, it enhances their visibility and reinforces their association with an event that attract a distinguished audience of legal professionals, academics, and students.

The SPIL Souvenir stands as a testament to the Organisation’s commitment to fostering global legal awareness while celebrating the collaborative efforts that make the Summit a resounding success. It serves as both a keepsake and a source of inspiration for its readers, capturing the spirit and legacy of the event.

Access the SPIL Souvenir from below:

Paper
Presentation

The Paper Presentations Segment is a pivotal feature of the Summit, offering invited authors of the top submissions from the GLC-SPIL International Law Journal (ILJ) Volume V an esteemed platform to present their research and insights.

This Segment provides a unique opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and students to showcase their innovative ideas and analyses, contributing to the intellectual richness of the event.

The Segment not only highlights cutting-edge research but also encourages meaningful debate, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges theoretical perspectives with practical applications.

The following individuals presented their research:

Mr. Vaibhav Nagpal, from UILS, Panjab University, Chandigarh published and presented his paper titled: Integrating Environmental Rights Into Human Rights : A New Paradigm For Environmental Law in India.
Mr. Upmanyu Sinha, from Anand Vishwa Gurukul Law College, Thane, published and presented his paper titled: Addressing Loss and Damage: Legal Challenges and Opportunities in International Environment Law.