Public Interest Litigation (PIL) remains a significant constitutional tool in India for addressing collective injustice and protecting public rights and welfare. At the same time, access to justice in the Indian legal system has extended beyond formal legal petitions. Courts have, on several occasions, exercised epistolary jurisdiction, treating letters and representations as petitions to ensure that justice remains accessible to all.
Recognising this broader approach to justice, KIIT School of Law organised the “Lex Publica – PIL Drafting Challenge” as part of KIIT Fest 9.0. The competition aimed to highlight how awareness, articulation, and structured legal reasoning can initiate meaningful legal change and strengthen access to justice.
The event was open to students across all disciplines. It featured a PIL drafting segment for law students and a letter-writing segment for non-law students, encouraging wider participation and interdisciplinary engagement. Participants competed in teams of two, and the competition was conducted strictly in offline mode without the use of electronic devices or artificial intelligence tools.
The two-day competition, held on 6th and 7th March 2026, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students. Following the preliminary round, the Top 10 teams advanced to the final presentation round, where they presented their arguments and drafts before a judging panel.
The competition was judged by Prof. Faiz Ayat Ansari, Prof. Madhuri Meelee, and Prof. Shubhankar Biswal. The Best PIL Award was secured by Aarav Mirza and Zulquer. Sanjeevan Bhuyan and Suravi Patra emerged as the Winners, while Arman Behuria was declared First Runner-Up, and Vaishnavi Tiwari and Silfa Mahanta secured the Second Runner-Up position.
The Lex Publica – PIL Drafting Challenge provided a meaningful platform for students to engage with pressing social issues through legal reasoning and structured advocacy. The event not only strengthened participants’ drafting and analytical skills but also emphasised the importance of accessible justice, reaffirming the role of law as a powerful instrument for social change.
