National University of Singapore (NUS) emerged victorious in both categories; Seth Tay and Merwyn Lin took home the title of ‘Best Negotiating Team’ and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Oh Yu Han being awarded ‘Best Mediator, along with a cash prize of Rs 20,000; at the 10th Edition of Lex Infinitum 2025, hosted by V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, (VMSCL), Miramar on January 18th.
Naman Kumar and Jaskaran Singh from National Academy of Legal Studies and Research(NALSAR), Hyderabad were adjudged as runners-up, winning a cash prize of Rs 25,000, while Sai Mani Ambati from Symbiosis Law School, Pune, came in second, bagging a cash prize of Rs 10,000.
After two days of rigorous competition, which featured 22 negotiating teams and 12 mediators;
all winners were also given certificates of merit to recognise their achievements.
Irshad Agha, Principal District & Sessions Judge, North Goa, was the chief guest and addressed the gathering. He said that as judges, he and his colleagues have been encouraged to refer at least 2 cases every month for mediation. He also stressed the need for manpower and infrastructure at the multiple ADR centres in Goa, and that the High Court of Goa at Bombay has taken active efforts to train mediators.
Other dignitaries included Dr. Shaber Ali G., Principal of VMSCL; Bhaskar Nayak, Education Advisor of V. M. Salgaocar Corporation Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Shruti Kamat Dalal, Director of Lex Infinitum 2025; Omkar S. Gaonkar, President of Lex Infinitum 2025; and Tashina Zahra Pinto Do Rosario, Vice-President of Lex Infinitum 2025.
In addition, the event witnessed the presence of the members of the VMSCL management committee, Senior Advocates E.O. Mendes, and other distinguished members from the bar. The function was compered by Priya Shirodkar and Nidhi Gawade, both students of BALLB. Dr. Shaber Ali G. welcomed the participants, expert assessors and other dignitaries.
Bhaskar Nayak stated that alternate dispute resolution (ADR) does not threaten lawyers’ job and should be used wherever possible. “If we could use ADR to resolve small matters like family disputes and public issues, the world would be a better place,” he added. Omkar Gaonkar then said that the event was a success thanks to the efforts of the participants, departments, resource persons, and sponsors.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Shruti Kamat Dalal, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, expert assessors, dignitaries and guests, sponsors, student organising committee, and volunteers for making Lex Infinitum 2025 a resounding success.
