Panjab University wins best Mediator title at HPNLU’s Samanvay 2026

himachalscape November 3, 2026 2 minutes read

Panjab University wins best Mediator title at HPNLU’s Samanvay 2026

Shimla, Nov 3,

The University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, won the Best Mediator Award, while the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata, clinched the Best Negotiating Pair title at the 4th Samanvay International Mediation Competition 2026, organised by Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla.

The three-day competition, which concluded on Tuesday, brought together law students and distinguished mediation professionals from India and abroad, providing a platform for aspiring legal professionals to demonstrate their negotiation, communication and dispute-resolution skills.

UILS Panjab University received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 for securing the Best Mediator title, while National Law University, Jodhpur, finished as the runner-up with a prize of Rs 15,000.

In the Best Negotiating Pair category, WBNUJS Kolkata emerged victorious, taking home Rs 50,000. Interestingly, the runner-up position was also secured by NUJS Kolkata, which received Rs 25,000.

The valedictory ceremony was attended by former Supreme Court judge and former HPNLU Chancellor Justice Sanjay Karol as the chief guest. International mediation experts Pascal Comvalius from the Netherlands, Corrado Mora from Italy and Prof. Mary Lou Bryant Frank from the United States were among the distinguished guests. Senior Advocate Ankush Das of the Himachal Pradesh High Court was also present.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Karol emphasised the growing relevance of mediation, observing that success in the process lies in listening, thinking and only then acting. He described mediation as the need of the hour, highlighting its potential to foster a more harmonious society.

Also read: HPNLU Shimla organises 6th Intra Mediation Competition, students showcase ADR skills

The international experts highlighted the importance of empathy, patience and effective communication in resolving disputes. They encouraged participants to look beyond the stated positions of disputing parties and understand the underlying emotions, concerns and interests.

HPNLU Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena welcomed the dignitaries and participants and appreciated the efforts of the University’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Cell in organising the competition. She stressed the importance of developing practical mediation skills among law students.

The competition sought to familiarise participants with real-world mediation practices and interest-based negotiation, while providing them an opportunity to interact with experienced national and international professionals.

The successful conclusion of Samanvay 2026 further strengthened HPNLU Shimla’s efforts to promote experiential legal education and create greater awareness about alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.