12th Manipal Ranka International Moot Court Competition 2026

About the Competition

The 12th Manipal Ranka International Moot Court Competition 2026 is one of the most prestigious international moot court competitions, attracting top-tier law schools globally. This year's competition features a cutting-edge, highly contemporary moot problem centering on the intersection of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and international humanitarian law (IHL) in modern warfare.

The Moot Proposition: Overview

The dispute arises between the Republic of Arkania and the State of Belvaria before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Following decades of conflict over the strategically vital Orion Border Region, Arkania deployed the ATHENA Combat Intelligence Network—an integrated AI-assisted targeting architecture consisting of three components: ATLAS (imagery and data processing), HELIOS (algorithmic threat probability indexing), and HERMES (geolocation tracking). Following devastating airstrikes that resulted in significant civilian casualties, Belvaria has challenged the legality of Arkania's AI-assisted targeting systems under international law.

Key Issues for Consideration

• Whether the use of AI-assisted targeting systems like ATHENA is compatible with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• Whether reliance upon algorithmic threat assessments and predictive targeting recommendations satisfies the requirement of meaningful human control in the use of force.
• Whether Arkania complied with its obligation to conduct an adequate legal review before deploying ATHENA.
• Whether the use of AI-generated targeting recommendations resulting in civilian casualties engages the international responsibility of Arkania.
• Whether the delegation of targeting functions to AI-assisted systems is consistent with the Martens Clause and the principles of humanity and public conscience.

Applicable Laws

Participants will need to argue based on the following international frameworks:

• Charter of the United Nations
• Geneva Conventions, 1949 and Additional Protocol I
• The Martens Clause and Laws of Armed Conflict
• Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907
• ILC Draft Articles on State Responsibility and Law of Treaties
• General Principles of International Law and the ICJ Statute

Eligibility & Registration

The competition is open to all students pursuing undergraduate law degrees (3-year LLB or 5-year integrated LLB) or equivalent courses from recognized universities and colleges worldwide. For detailed registration guidelines, fee structures, and the official timeline, please visit the official announcement link.