RAYAT-BAHRA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF LAW
SUMMER TRAINING SUBMISSION
AN ANALYSIS AND COLLECTION OF
OBSERVATIONS FROM TRAININGS
SUBMITTED BY-
SWAYAM BANSAL
B.COM LLB 9TH SEM
2007002027
SUBMITTED TO-
PROF. (DR.) DHARMENDER PATIAL
DEAN, UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
RAYAT-BAHRA UNIVERSITY, MOHALI
INDEX
1) Lecture on Legal Ethics and Pathway to
Advocacy; Date : 08.11.2024
Resource Person: Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna
2) Workshop on Non-Verbal
Communication including Body Posture;
Date : 08.11.2024
Resource Person: Ms. Sanyukta Tuli
3) Boot Camp on Soft Skills; Date :
10/09/2024
Resource Person: Ms. Sanyukta Tuli
4) Lecture on Various Stages of Criminal
Proceedings; Date : 10/08/2024
Resource Person: Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna
5) Academic visit to Supreme Court of
India; Date : 03/10/2024
Held at: Supreme Court of India
Lecture on Legal Ethics and Pathway to
Advocacy; Date : 08.11.2024
Venue: Moot Court Hall at Rayat Bahra
University, Mohali
Resource Person: Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna
1. Avinash Rai Khanna Sir is a Vice Chairman, Indian Red Cross
Society and Vice President of Bhartiya Janta Party. He is also a
BJP In-charge of Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, he served as ex
member of Rajya Sabha and was also a member of the 14th Lok
Sabha of India. He represented the Hoshiarpur constituency of
Punjab. He was elected as an MLA from Garhshankar in 2002. In
2003, he was also elected as a State President B.J.P. Punjab. After
that he was elected Member of Parliament from Hoshiarpur
Constituency in 2004. Under his leadership, for the first time in
Punjab B.J.P. got 19 seats out of 23 in Assembly elections in 2007
and played a major role in formation of Akali government in
Punjab. During his five-year tenure as an M.P., he has asked 270
questions and participated in 116 debates.
2. The first lesson Sir taught as was that a lawyer needs to be
dynamic and adapt to his surroundings so that he can work each
case with proper care.
2.1.Sir at first threw a curveball with a question regarding meaning
of Jirah while using it in the context of cross-examination and
inquired what Jirah means. Then he explained that we must
make use of context to understand the overall approach. Jirah
means cross-examination.
2.2.The skill is important because repetition is not possible in day
to day court scenario.
2.3.Sir then gave a humorous account of when once an advocate
who specialised in Excise cases had to do a civil case related
Cross-Examination and he ended up asking questions nowhere
related to the case. He used this example to emphasize the need
for adaptability and dynamism.
3. Sir were asked of his past experiences and his memorable cases
when he remembered the following anecdotes.
3.1.Sir gave an example of a Pronote(Promissory note) case which
was fought by Sir. Pronote case was said to be the easiest case
one could get. He recalled it was his first case and the case
seemed to be going against his clients. He was recommended
by other senior counsels to simply not fight the case to save his
reputation but he decided to fight it still. He found a small
peculiarity in the evidence that the tendering of the document
was not objected by the opposing counsel and he used it to win
the case when it was said by all to be an open and shut case. He
used this to demonstrate that an advocate is to fight till the end.
3.2.Sir represented the accused in a murder case where allegedly
the accused had murdered the victim by using a tractor and
running over the victim. The evidence was all perused carefully
by Sir and there seemed to be very bleak chances of creating
reasonable doubt in the case. However one testimony proved to
carry a lot of merit. Sir called the Patwari of the land and asked
him about the way to the place of occurrence. Patwari then,
said on the record that the way to the place of occurrence was
not wide enough to accommodate a tractor and hence created a
reasonable doubt. Hence he emphasized the importance of
three things for a lawyer: 1) Mastery of Law; 2) Mastery of
Facts; and 3) Presence of Mind.
3.3.Sir had a case of attempt to murder. He was checking the
prosecution filing when the client suddenly pointed out that
those were not his signatures on the recovery memo. Sir then
filed an application for the forensic analysis of the signatures.
The Judge warned that if the signatures matched then the case
would go very much in their adverse. But Sir insisted that if the
signatures matched it would be very beneficial and insisted on
filing the application. The report then came and the signatures
ended up not matching. He used this case to emphasize the
importance of the presence of mind. He also said that the
prosecution files and all related evidence must be perused
carefully so that we can avoid making mistakes.
4. Sir emphasized the importance of various ethics which are
important in the legal field.
4.1.That no matter what, an advocate must fight the case till the
end.
4.2.That an advocate must fight pro-bono for some people and
even not expect anything in return.
4.3.That an advocate must fight for his right but not be greedy or
try to make wrongful gains.
4.4.That an advocate must listen to the clients and entertain their
problems in the best way they can.
4.5.That an advocate should always maintain a professional
stature.
5. Hence our key takeaways from Sir’s lecture were
5.1.That the lawyer should be mindful of all the facts, evidence and
very importantly law around the case.
5.2.Adaptability is vital in tackling the everyday issues in this ever
growing field that evolves along with the surroundings.
5.3.It is very important to know the risks involved in the cases for
the clients and carefully proceeding accordingly.
5.4.A lawyer has a duty towards their clients and accordingly
follow all the ethical rules as are warranted for.
6. Sir’s lecture helped shape our view on the importance of ethics in
the legal field and his anecdotes helped us realize the importance
of: 1) Mastery of Law; 2) Mastery of Facts; and 3) Presence of
Mind. We hence were grateful for the insightful lecture by the
resourceful Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna Sir.
Academic Visit to Supreme Court of India;
Date : 03/10/2024
Held at: Hon’ble Supreme Court of India
1. The University School of Law at Rayat Bahra University under the
able guidance of Dr. (Prof.) Dharmender Patial organised an
official visit to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 03.10.2024
which afforded us an opportunity to gain insight into the intricate
workings of the topmost court in the largest democracy in the
world.
2. We left for Delhi from the University at about 5:30 in the morning
and reached at about 2:00 in the afternoon. There were security
protocols in place as there should be at such an important place.
We were allotted our passes and were assigned court numbers.
3. Upon reaching the Court we were sent to different courts. Before
entering we were briefed on the decorum which was to be
maintained in the court. I was sent to Court no. 2 which was
being presided by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Sanjiv
Khanna (then Justice) who was hearing the Civil Appeal in the
case of Commissioner of Central Excise vs. M/S Madhan Agro
Industries Pvt. Ltd. I entered the court with a respectful bow
towards the bench and observed the proceedings from a corner. We
spent near about 10-15 minutes in the court and noticed that the
counsel arguing had a particular way of pleading the case and
everyone was very respectful towards every person. Even we
students were treated with respect by the staff. The court had a lot
of discipline and the way of pleading was very focused and to the
point. While I was not able to make out the facts of the case, at the
point when we were there, I understood that a particular oil based
product was being discussed. The Hon’ble bench at times would
interrupt the counsel respectfully and clear the points. While I
noticed the high amount of grace and patience required to plead in
the Apex Court, I was also motivated at the same time to learn and
try to grow in order to have the same calibre as was being
showcased. I also clarified my doubts on the internal procedures of
the handling of cases after filing which as I came to know, at the
time, the decision for allotment if cases to courts was taken by the
Hon’ble Chief Justice of India.
4. Next we had the fortune of being able to visit the Judges’ library
in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India which is one of the largest
law libraries in Asia. We saw the procedures followed there to
keep the laws up to date. We also were able to interact with the
first edition of the Indian Constitution which was a fulfilling
experience in itself.
5. I would like to sum my learnings in the following points:
5.1.Decorum is of utmost importance in the court and you have a
duty to maintain the same in the court.
5.2.The importance of remaining calm was strongly relegated
throughout the proceedings.
5.3.One must be respectful not only towards the bench but all
parties involved when before the bench.
5.4.Patience and grace play an important role in making a good
impression.
6. We had a very enlightening experience overall then and learnt a
lot. Most of all we received the vital knowledge of how to
approach the Hon’ble bench and will probably not be getting chills
the first time we get an opportunity to be present in front of a
bench in the Hon’ble Court. Such visits are rare but need to be a
more common occurrence for giving a more fulfilling and
enriching experience other than just theoretical knowledge for
aspirational minds like ours.
Workshop on Non-Verbal Communication
including Body Posture; Date : 08.11.2024
Venue: Moot Court Hall at Rayat Bahra
University, Mohali
Resource Person: Ms. Sanyukta Tuli
1. On November 8, 2024, a workshop on non-verbal communication
was held at the Moot Court Hall, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali.
The workshop, conducted by Ms. Sanyukta Tuli, highlighted the
vital role non-verbal cues—such as body posture, eye contact,
gestures, and personal space—play in effective legal practice.
Through a blend of insightful instruction and interactive exercises,
participants gained a deeper understanding of how non-verbal
communication influences professional demeanor, particularly in a
legal setting.
2. The seminar was very insightful with a lot to learn and the key
observations are listed below.
2.1.A significant portion of the workshop focused on body
posture. Ms. Tuli emphasized that an upright and open posture
conveys confidence, attentiveness, and professionalism—key
traits for any successful lawyer. She explained how slouching
or crossing arms can suggest defensiveness or a lack of
confidence, while standing tall with an open stance projects
authority and trustworthiness.
Ms. Tuli invited a student to demonstrate their current posture.
Observing the student's slouched shoulders, she explained how
this conveyed uncertainty. She then guided the student to adjust
their posture—opening shoulders, standing tall, and
maintaining a straight back—illustrating the shift towards a
confident and professional demeanor. Additionally, Ms. Tuli
demonstrated correct sitting posture: leaning slightly forward,
feet flat on the ground, and hands comfortably placed on the
table or lap, all signaling attentiveness and engagement.
2.2.The importance of maintaining appropriate eye contact was
highlighted as a cornerstone of effective communication. Ms.
Tuli explained that steady eye contact during conversations
builds rapport and signifies attentiveness, while overly intense
staring might come across as aggressive.
A participant was selected to practice balanced eye contact.
Ms. Tuli demonstrated how to hold eye contact in a steady but
not unbroken manner, showing how to alternate between direct
eye contact and occasional glances away. This balance, she
noted, helps convey confidence without appearing intimidating.
2.3.Respecting personal space was another key topic. Ms. Tuli
emphasized that maintaining the right distance during
conversations is crucial for comfort and professionalism, with
invading someone's space potentially making them uneasy.
To illustrate this, Ms. Tuli conducted an exercise with a
student, demonstrating the appropriate physical distance—
about an arm's length or an outstretched hand. She explained
that this respectful distance promotes a comfortable
communication environment. Additionally, she discussed the
practice of mirroring the other person's stance—standing if
they stand, sitting if they sit—to reduce communication
barriers and create rapport.
2.4.Ms. Tuli highlighted the role of gestures in enhancing
communication. Effective hand gestures can make a
presentation more engaging, while excessive or erratic gestures
can distract the listener. She encouraged the use of controlled
and open gestures to illustrate key points, especially during
client meetings or court arguments.
Noticing a common tendency among students to point fingers
while speaking, Ms. Tuli explained that such gestures could
come off as accusatory. She demonstrated how using open-
palm gestures instead conveys openness and honesty, making a
positive impact on the listener.
2.5.Overall body language, Ms. Tuli explained, significantly
affects one's professional impression. She demonstrated how
nervous habits, like fidgeting or crossing arms, signal
discomfort or defensiveness, while a confident stance with
relaxed arms suggests authority.
2.6.Ms. Tuli offered practical advice on sitting posture for legal
settings. She cautioned against leaning back too casually,
which can suggest disinterest, and recommended sitting
upright, with shoulders back and head held high, to project
professionalism and attentiveness.
2.7.Ms. Tuli emphasized that non-verbal cues reflect
professionalism and respect. Matching the other person's
stance, whether standing or sitting, demonstrates consideration
for their position, fostering a sense of equality and trust in
communication.
3. At the conclusion of the session, Ms. Tuli shared additional tips
on "power poses"—positions that project confidence and
dominance. She introduced poses such as the "CEO pose"
(standing with feet apart, hands on hips) and the "Superman pose"
(standing with feet shoulder-width apart, chest out, and hands on
hips) as strategies to boost self-confidence before important
meetings or court appearances. She explained that practicing these
poses for a few minutes before a challenging interaction could
enhance one's presence and poise.
4. The workshop reinforced that non-verbal communication is as
crucial as verbal communication in the legal profession. Ms.
Tuli demonstrated how body language, gestures, and spatial
awareness can either strengthen or undermine a lawyer's case,
highlighting the need for mastery in this area.
5. The workshop on non-verbal communication was an enlightening
session, underscoring the importance of posture, gestures, eye
contact, and personal space in legal practice. Ms. Tuli’s interactive
approach allowed participants to directly observe and practice
these skills, providing them with tools to correct their habits and
cultivate a more confident and professional presence. The session
underscored that communication is not only about what one says,
but how one says it—emphasizing that effective communication
involves the entire physical presentation, contributing significantly
to one's overall professional success.
Lecture on Various Stages of Criminal Proceedings
Date : 10/08/2024
Venue: Moot Court Hall at Rayat Bahra
University, Mohali
Resource Person: Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna
1. Avinash Rai Khanna Sir is a Vice Chairman, Indian Red Cross
Society and Vice President of Bhartiya Janta Party. He is also a
BJP In-charge of Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, he served as ex
member of Rajya Sabha and was also a member of the 14th Lok
Sabha of India. He represented the Hoshiarpur constituency of
Punjab. He was elected as an MLA from Garhshankar in 2002. In
2003, he was also elected as a State President B.J.P. Punjab. After
that he was elected Member of Parliament from Hoshiarpur
Constituency in 2004. Under his leadership, for the first time in
Punjab B.J.P. got 19 seats out of 23 in Assembly elections in 2007
and played a major role in formation of Akali government in
Punjab. During his five-year tenure as an M.P., he has asked 270
questions and participated in 116 debates.
2. Avinash Rai Khanna Sir’s years long experience as an advocate in
the District and Sessions Court makes him a more that worthy tutor
to learn from for introduction to the legal practice. He delivered a
lecture with a focus on explaining how to approach private practice
properly. It is important hence to understand the various stages of
criminal cases.
2.1.Sir explained all criminal cases are against State and
prosecution is always state it is responsibility of state to file the
case in the court.
2.2.Sir then explained it is duty of prosecution to mention the
injured or victims, Eye Witnesses of the incidents.
2.3.Then he explained some detail of FIR are very crucial like
Time of incident,place of incident and the weapons or object
through which injury was caused.
2.4.Then he explained Framing of Charges by prosecution and
naming of the witnesses as PW1 (Prosecution witness 1),
PW2 (Prosecution witness 2) and so on.
2.5.Sir further explained inqury as a stage of proceeding and that
it is one the most crucial stage of a proceeding and must be fair
and just. He further explained inqury is not always straight and
simple it must be in depth and should not leave any doubt. We
were also introduced to details like inquiry of FIR regarding
time and other details in the FIR , inquiry of MLR (medico
legal report). Then Sir explained nature of inquiry Any kind of
unexplained delay in FIR or MLR must be inquired properly
with the proper reasoning.
2.6.After that Sir explained the concept of Recovery Memo and its
relevance. He explained that a recovery memo includes a list of
items recovered from the possession of the person.
3. Sir was also gracious enough to explain the role of defence in the
criminal proceedings. He explained the following.
3.1.The main role of defence is to counter the prosecution and
create a reasonable doubt in the court.
3.2.Sir gave an example that in certain cases the time of MLR
becomes very important and if there is a unexplained delay
then it must be used by defence and sometime due to which
time of injury is also not sure.
3.3.If there any relation between eye witness and the victim, it
creates a natural doubt as well as the nature of injury either self
suffered or friendly.
3.4.Conduct of witness is also very important and the place from
where he witnessed the incident whether from far away or near
the the incident.
4. Other than the above, Sir shared with us accounts of an interesting
accident case where a person had hit the victim from a car. Sir
were representing the accused. The accused had a brother with
similar facial features which made Sir have an idea. He produced
the brother in the court claiming him to be the accused. Once the
victim claimed that the person was the offender, Sir revealed to the
court that the person identified was not the accused but his brother,
thus creating a reasonable doubt as the brother had alibi for the
time of occurrence of the offence.
5. The lecture by the very knowledgeable helped us understand the
intricacies in the Indian practice and helped us in forming an
informed approach
