MOOT PROBLEM
Semester III
Mr. Rahim Alam, a 35-year-old Bangladeshi national, was an outspoken journalist in
Bangladesh, known for his investigative reporting on governmental corruption and human
rights abuses. Over the last few years, Rahim had been increasingly critical of the
government’s treatment of religious minorities and political dissenters. In response to his
reporting, he faced death threats, harassment by law enforcement, and false charges of
sedition.
On January 15, 2024, Rahim was violently attacked by unknown assailants who left a
threatening note warning him to stop his reporting or face dire consequences. Fearing for his
life, Rahim fled to India on February 1, 2024, seeking asylum, after being denied any
protection by the authorities in Bangladesh.
Asylum in India:
Upon reaching India, Rahim applied for asylum, citing the imminent threat to his life and
liberty in Bangladesh due to his work as a journalist and his political opinions. India,
considering its obligations under international law and the principle of non-refoulement,
offered him temporary protection under humanitarian grounds. However, the diplomatic
relationship between India and Bangladesh has been delicate due to trade agreements and
regional security pacts. Fearing that offering Rahim permanent asylum could strain its
relationship with Bangladesh, the Indian government, on March 10, 2024, informed Rahim
that he must leave the country within 30 days, citing national security concerns and foreign
policy interests.
The Legal Question:
Rahim’s situation gained significant attention from international human rights organizations.
Facing imminent deportation and fearing for his life if returned to Bangladesh, Rahim,
through his legal counsel, filed a petition before the United Nations Human Rights
Commission (UNHRC) against the State of India, claiming that his deportation would violate
his fundamental human rights.
Issues for Consideration:
1. Whether India’s decision to deport Rahim Alam violates the principle of non-
refoulement under international human rights law?
2. Whether Rahim’s rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) are being
violated by India’s refusal to grant him continued asylum?
3. What obligations, if any, does India have under international law concerning the
treatment of asylum seekers?
RULES FOR THE INTRA-MOOT COURT COMPETITION
1. Registration
1.1 Registration Deadline: Teams must register by 3rd October 2024 to the undersigned.
1.2 There has to be a minimum and maximum of 2 students in each team. Both of the
members shall act as mooters and researcher.
1.3 Submission of Memorials: Each team is required to submit a hardcopy of the memorial
for both the Petitioner and respondent by 10th October 2024. Non-submission will lead
to disqualification.
1.4 Memorial Format
Font: Times New Roman, 12-point for body text, 10-point for footnotes.
Line Spacing: 1.5 for text, single-spaced for footnotes.
Margins: 1 inch on all sides.
Length: Memorial should not exceed 10 pages including citations.
2. Any clarifications regarding the problem must be sought by 5th October 2024.
3. The Intra-class moot is scheduled on 14th and 15th October 2024 for 2nd and 1st year
respectively.
4. Oral Rounds
Each team will present for both the Petitioner and the Respondent side.
The time allotted for each speaker in the team is 3 minutes.
Each round will also include questions from the judges (bench).
4.1 Scoring Criteria:
Knowledge of facts and law: 30%
Organization and clarity of argument: 25%
Use of authorities and precedents: 20%
Response to questions: 15%
Court etiquette: 10%
5. The competition will be judged by law professors.
6. Awards and Certificates
Best Team
Best Speaker
Best Memorial
7. All participants will receive certificates of participation.
Dr. Aditi Singh Dr. Joshua Dalyrimple
Faculty Convenor Dean, SOL
SOL, Woxsen University. Woxsen University
