Available courses

Litigation Governance - From Trial Court to Constitutional Bench - Course 2026

Course Overview: Litigation Governance Course 2026

Title: Litigation Governance: From Trial Courts to the Constitutional Bench: Course 2025

Conducted by: Project Complete Lawyer (PCL) Foundation in collaboration with Legal Aid Centre NUALS, Kochi

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the Indian judicial hierarchy and procedural framework, spanning from local district judiciary to the Constitutional power of the High Court. Students will analyze the "Hard Law" of litigation through various lenses, including civil, criminal, and commercial governance, with a dedicated focus on the Legal Aid Angle to ensure justice remains accessible to indigent and rural litigants.

Learning Modules

The course is structured into nine core thematic areas:

1. Constitutional & Administrative Foundations

  • Focus: The High Court and District Judiciary as pillars of the Rule of Law.

  • Key Topics: High Court as a "Court of Record," the appointment of District Judges, and the "Master of the Roster" system.

2. Civil Adjudication & Hierarchy

  • Focus: Identifying the correct forum and understanding territorial distribution.

  • Key Topics: Civil Court hierarchy under the Kerala Civil Courts Act, 1957, and the jurisdiction of Munsiff and Subordinate Judge Courts.

3. Extraordinary & Supervisory Jurisdictions

  • Focus: Remedies when ordinary relief fails.

  • Key Topics: Writ jurisdiction (Art. 226), Power of Superintendence (Art. 227), and Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

4. Enforcement & Judicial Sanctity

  • Focus: Ensuring court orders are not merely "paper decrees".

  • Key Topics: Civil and criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, and specific Kerala High Court Contempt Rules.

5. Specialized Litigation Tracks

  • Focus: Commercial litigation and procedural efficiency.

  • Key Topics: Mandatory Pre-Institution Mediation (Section 12A), "Specified Value" thresholds, and Case Management Hearings.

6. The Litigation Process: From Suit to Trial

  • Pre-Suit Requirements: Cause of action, limitation, valuation, and court fees.

  • The Trial Phase: Framing of issues, the order of evidence (Chief, Cross, and Re-examination), and closing arguments.

7. Appellate & Revisional Oversight

  • Civil Challenges: First and Second Appeals (Sec. 96 & 100 CPC), Civil Revision Petitions (CRP), and Rejection of Plaints.

  • Criminal Oversight: Appeals against conviction or acquittal, Death Sentence References (DSR), and the role of Legal Aid in protecting life and liberty.

8. Firm Management & Soft Skills in Practice

  • To complement the study of litigation governance, this course emphasizes the administrative and interpersonal competencies required to run a successful legal practice:

  • Case Management & Workflow: Implementing systems for "Case Management Hearings" to ensure procedural efficiency.

  • Institutional Transparency: Developing internal rosters and filing systems to prevent "forum shopping" and ensure fair trial standards.

  • Statutory Compliance: Managing the "Hard Law" of the registry, including strict adherence to High Court Rules and filing timelines.

  • Financial Stewardship: Understanding valuation and court fees to prevent technical dismissals, particularly when managing cases for indigent litigants.

9. Essential Soft Skills for Litigators

  • Client Counseling & Rural Outreach: Developing the empathy and communication skills necessary to serve as the primary touchpoint for justice in rural populations.

  • Conflict Resolution: Utilizing "Pre-Institution Mediation" (Section 12A) to resolve disputes efficiently before escalating to litigation.

  • Advocacy & Examination: Mastering the art of cross-examination to test witness veracity while maintaining professional decorum and the "Rule of Law".

  • Strategic Argumentation: Summarizing complex "Proved" vs. "Disproved" facts into persuasive closing arguments for the court.

Course Structure Summary

Module

Core Technical Focus

Soft Skill / Management Application

I. Governance

Constitutional Foundations

Leadership & Institutional Transparency

II. Jurisdiction

Territorial & Subject Matter

Client Intake & Forum Selection

III. Procedure

Suit Initiation & Evidence

Time Management & Attention to Detail

IV. Oversight

Appeals & Revisions

Resilience & Ethical Advocacy for the Poor 


Legal Framework for Litigation Governance

Category

Primary Statutes & Rules

Key Provisions / Focus

Constitutional

Constitution of India, 1950

Arts. 214–231 (High Courts), Arts. 233–237 (Subordinate Courts), Art. 226 (Writs), and Art. 227 (Superintendence).

Criminal (New)

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

Replaced the CrPC (1973) effective July 1, 2024. Focuses on Appeals, Revisions, and Death Sentence Confirmations.

Evidence (New)

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023

Replaced the Indian Evidence Act (1872) effective July 1, 2024. Covers Chief, Cross, and Re-examination.

Civil Procedure

Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908

Order I (Parties) , Order II (Cause of Action) , Order XIV (Issues) , and Order XVIII (Trial).

State Civil Law

Kerala Civil Courts Act, 1957

Territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction of Munsiff, Subordinate, and District Courts.

High Court Admin

Kerala High Court Act, 1958

Internal governance and powers of Single Judges (Sec. 3) vs. Division Benches (Sec. 4).

Litigation Costs

Kerala Court Fees and Suit Valuation Act, 1959

Statutory requirements for valuing suits and ensuring accessibility for indigent litigants.

Specialized Law

Commercial Courts Act, 2015

Specialized tracks for high-value disputes and mandatory Pre-Institution Mediation (Sec. 12A).

Judicial Sanctity

Contempt of Courts Act, 1971

Civil and Criminal contempt to ensure enforcement of judicial decrees.


Modern Practice & Technology Rules

In addition to the "Hard Law," the practice of law now requires mastery of digital governance:

  • Civil Rules of Practice, Kerala: Standardized procedures for trial court litigation.

  • Rules of the High Court of Kerala, 1971: Procedures for filing Writs (Rule 32) and hearing matters (Rule 35).

  • Contempt of Courts (High Court of Kerala) Rules, 1988: Specific procedural steps for initiating contempt petitions.

  • Electronic Filing Rules for Courts (Kerala), 2021: Mandatory protocols for the digital submission of pleadings and documents.

  • Rules for Video Conferencing for Courts (Kerala), 2020: Guidelines for virtual hearings and recording evidence remotely.



NAVIGATING THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA

Course Title: Navigating the High Court of Kerala: A Clinical Accelerator Presented By: Project Complete Lawyer (PCL) Foundation

Course Overview Law school teaches you the law; professional practice requires you to navigate the machinery that enforces it. This intensive, clinically-focused course is designed to bridge the critical gap between academic knowledge and courtroom reality in the High Court of Kerala.

Far beyond theoretical lectures, this course immerses participants in the practical lifecycle of litigation. We move past what the law says to focus on how to use it effectively to solve a client's problem. By the end of this program, you will not just understand the jurisdiction of the High Court; you will be equipped to file, manage, and argue cases within it.

Our Unique Methodology: The "Triple-Layer" Approach We reject the traditional lecture format. Instead, every module is delivered through a structured, three-part clinical methodology designed to ensure practice-readiness:

  1. The Statutory Foundation (The Hard Law): Mastering the "rules of the game"—the specific Constitutional provisions, High Court Acts, and critical High Court Rules that dictate procedure.

  2. Diagnostic Skills (The Practitioner’s Mindset): Learning to analyze raw client facts to determine the correct legal remedy, identifying jurisdiction, and spotting potential procedural hurdles before they arise.

  3. Live Application (The Clinical Lab): Transitioning from theory to action using real-world case studies. Participants will draft petitions, prepare for admission hearings, and strategize case management in real-time scenarios.

Key Modules

  • Writ Jurisdiction: From Article 226 diagnostics to defect-free drafting and arguing for interim relief.

  • Civil & Criminal Remedies: Navigating appeals, revisions, bail applications, and quashing petitions (Section 482 CrPC).

  • Matrimonial Appeals: Handling complex family law challenges in the High Court.

  • The Lifecycle of a Case: Practical steps from the filing counter to the final judgment.

  • Practice Management: The business and administration of running a successful litigation practice.

Who Should Attend Final-year law students, fresh graduates, and junior advocates looking to accelerate their transition into independent practice at the High Court level.



INTERNSHIP ON REAL ESTATE LAWS IN INDIA

Course Title: Real Estate Law Practice

Course ID: REL-IND-INT

Duration: [7 WEEKS]

Format: Internship/Practical Short Course

Overview

This intensive, practical short course is designed to transition law students and young legal professionals from academic theory to the professional reality of real estate law in India.

Focusing heavily on the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), this "internship edition" course simulates real-world legal practice. Participants will not only master key statutes like the Transfer of Property Act and Registration Act but will also gain indispensable, hands-on experience in Legal Due Diligence, Title Verification, and Transactional Drafting.

What You Will Learn (Key Objectives)

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

  1. Navigate the RERA Framework: Understand the structure, jurisdiction, and compliance requirements of the RERA Act, including the rights and obligations of promoters, allottees, and real estate agents.

  2. Conduct Title Due Diligence: Master the complete process of verifying property titles, interpreting revenue records, identifying encumbrances, and preparing a conclusive Title Search Report.

  3. Draft Essential Documents: Gain proficiency in drafting and vetting core real estate agreements, including Sale Agreements, Builder-Buyer Agreements, Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), and various legal notices.

  4. Handle RERA Litigation: Learn the process for filing and defending complaints before the RERA Authority and the Appellate Tribunal.

  5. Mitigate Transactional Risks: Analyze and advise clients on the legal risks associated with property acquisition, sale, mortgage, and leasing in the Indian market.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

  • Law Students (3rd year onwards) seeking to specialize in Property/Transactional Law.

  • Recent Law Graduates and Litigators planning to establish a real estate law practice.

  • Legal Advisors, Chartered Accountants (CAs), and Company Secretaries (CSs) working in the real estate sector.

  • Real Estate Developers and Brokers seeking robust legal compliance knowledge.

Methodology

The course is structured around practical simulation:

  • Hands-on Drafting Assignments: Based on real-world scenarios and template documents.

  • Case Law Analysis: Focus on recent and landmark judgments from RERA Tribunals and High Courts.

  • Practical Checklists: Development of industry-standard checklists for Legal Due Diligence and RERA Compliance.


Contract Writing Value Added Course

The Legal Aid Clinic of Government Law College, Ernakulam, in collaboration with Project Complete Lawyer Foundation, is organizing a Certificate Course on Contract Drafting exclusively for 30 legal aid volunteers of our institution which will commence from March 1st, 2025

This course is the first under this project and is specifically designed for students who applied for the PLV interview.

Course Syllabus

Unit I: Fundamentals of Contract Drafting (3 Hours)

Unit II: Language and Execution of Contract(3 Hours)

Unit III: Intricacies of Commercial Contracts(3 Hours)

Unit IV: Exposure to Various Kinds of Contracts(12 Hours)

By the end of the course, participants will develop analytical, problem-solving, and drafting skills to create legally sound contracts while ensuring confidentiality. They will gain insights into contract drafting, reviewing, and negotiation trends, learn to draft various agreements (Sale Agreements, Joint Ventures, Partnership Deeds, E-Contracts), and apply negotiation skills effectively in contract drafting and execution.


Project Complete Lawyer - Season Two

The Project Complete lawyer is an innovative program intended to reduce the incubation period of a law student in this transformation to become a legal professional.   It was a learning exercise and perceive that the concept requires perfection.  

A one-line of the PCL concept may be worded like ‘a program to bridge the law students from the law school to the court room’.  In a broader sense the program is intended to reduce the notorious incubation period while entering the legal profession.  The court room in the concept one-line, does not limit the program to the making of litigation lawyers, but it intends to make practice ready lawyers in litigation as well as non-litigation fields. On a border contours, a very intense training on the skills of lawyering, study of the legal institutions, Industry Specific legal practices etc., may be offered to the participants of Season Two.   


Introduction to Arbitration

A.   Course Description

Welcome to Introduction to the Law of Arbitration!! In your introduction to the world of arbitration, you will study the importance of arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism, in the changing world beyond the territorial jurisdiction of different countries.

B.  Course Aims

·       To provide an understanding of the general principles of domestic and international arbitration and its relationship to other dispute resolution processes. The course will provide candidates with an introduction to the legal framework, best practices and procedures.  It also aims at comparing the arbitral law and practice in India and UK.

C. Course Duration.

·       The duration of the course is 50 hours, which includes 32 hours devoted to online instructions, 8 hours for assessment and assignments and 10 hours of interaction with experts in profession.       

D.   Expected Learning Outcomes:

·       On successful completion of this course candidates will be able to:

  •  Understand the background of domestic and international arbitration;
  •  Understand arbitration in the context of other forms of dispute resolution;
  • Role of Courts and Arbitrator;
  • Describe the processes and procedures of domestic and international arbitration.
  • Challenge and Enforcement of Arbitration Awards.

E.     Course Format:

  • The Online  instructions will be provided in the Moodle Platform;
  • The Online instructions will be a combination of recorded online lectures, live interactive sessions and assignments.
  • Recorded sessions will be available on the Moodle platform. The live sessions will build upon the foundational knowledge gained from the recorded videos.
  • Live interactive sessions will be held every weekend, totaling four sessions per month.
  • Each interactive lecture session will have a duration of 2 hours, preferably on Saturdays at 4PM.
  • The course will be designed as interactive sessions, allowing Participants to engage with experts in the field.
  • Interactive session with experts in the field will be scheduled on Sundays.  Participants will receive advance notification regarding such sessions. There will be a total of 5 such lectures duration of 2 hours each.

F.     Classroom Policies

Class Decorum –

  • When a lecture is in progress, do not interfere in any manner.
  • A Q&A session will follow every lecture session, where the participants may raise any questions and make valid observations about the content of the lecture.
  • Participants must maintain proper decorum in online classes and be respectful of others attending the class.
  • Participants shall keep their videos on, during the online sessions

G.   Grading & Evaluation

●      A total of three assignments will be uploaded on the Moodle platform. Participants are required to complete these assignments within the prescribed time.

●      Participants are required to complete a research paper of minimum 1500 words and maximum 3000 words. The paper will be scrutinized and reviewed by subject experts.

H.   Readings

●      Learning materials for the course includes legislations, judgments, and articles.

●      Most importantly, notes/points that come out of our class discussions will be helpful.

●      A short note will be provided along with every video as reference material.

Legislations –

✓     Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

✓     English Arbitration Act 1996.

✓     UNCITRAL Model Law.

✓     UNCITRAL Model Rules.

✓     Rules of the Arbitral Institutions

Reference Books –

  1. A reference text will be provided by the course coordinators.
  2. Everything You Need to Know about Arbitration in India by Tariq Khan (optional)

Caution: While accessing online resources for reference, be careful to avoid unreliable websites. Make sure your source is legit.

I.      About the Course Instructor

Adv. Johnson Gomez is a highly qualified instructor with extensive expertise in the field of Arbitration Law. He is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).  He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the course. With a remarkable 33-year tenure in the legal field, he has established himself as a prominent figure, serving the Senior Partner in the law firm, Gomez and Gomez Associates.

His proficiency extends across various arbitration domains, including domestic and international arbitrations. His impressive track record as an Arbitrator and Arbitration Counsel and his vast expertise and comprehensive understanding of Arbitration Law, would enable him to guide Participants through the intricacies of the Course.

J.      Syllabus

FUNDAMENTALS OF ARBITRATION (MONTH 1- WEEK 1 & 2)

In the first month of this course, learners will be given an introduction to the field of Arbitration. We will discuss arbitration as a dispute resolution method and the different types of arbitrations that exist in the world.

Agendas and Questions for the month:

(1)   What is Arbitration?

(2)   What is the difference between Ad hoc and Institutional Arbitration?

(3)   What is the difference between Domestic and International Arbitration?

(4)   Difference between Arbitration and other dispute resolution methods?

(5)   A discussion on the merits of Litigation vs Arbitration

(6)   A discussion on the different types of industry specific arbitration; eg., construction, maritime and investment arbitration.

INTERNATIONAL LAWS RELATED TO ARBITRATION (MONTH 1 - WEEK 2 & 4)

 

This month discusses arbitration from an international perspective. We will also start discussions into the practical process of arbitration by learning about international arbitration agreements and their enforcement.

Agendas for the month:

(1) Implementing UNCITRAL Model law in member states.

(2) Arbitration as a universally acceptable dispute resolution method.

(3) The Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, commonly known as the New York Convention

(4) Part II of The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

(5) Enforcement of Foreign Arbitration Awards in India

 ARBITRATION IN INDIA AND ENGLAND (MONTH 2 - WEEK 1 & 2)

 

This month will contain a comparative study of Arbitration under the English Law and how the English system has influenced the Arbitration Laws in India.

Agendas and Questions for the month:

(1)   General Principles of Arbitration with reference to the English Arbitration Act 1996

a.     fair resolution of disputes by an impartial tribunal without unnecessary delay and expenses

b.     party autonomy in arbitration process

c.      Limited interference of courts.

(2)   General duties of the Arbitral Tribunal, with reference to Section 33 of the English Arbitration Act 1996

(3)   General duties of the Parties, with reference to Section 40 of the English Arbitration Act

(4)   Concept of serious irregularities and Challenge against the Award under Section 68 of the English Arbitration Act 1996

(5)   A comparative analysis of English Arbitration Act 1996 with reference to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996

ABITRATION PROCESS (MONTH 2- WEEK 3 & 4)

In this month we will discuss the procedure for appointing an arbitrator, the laws that govern such appointments, and the process of how an arbitrator passes an award. 

Agendas and Questions for the month:

(1)   Pathological Clauses in Arbitration Agreements

(2)   Importance of Chapter V and VII of the Arbitration Act

(3)   Importance of Section 16 of the Act

(4)   Application of Civil Procedure Code and The Indian Evidence Act in Arbitration.

COURTS AND ARBITRATION: AWARDS, APPEAL AND ENFORCEMENT (MONTH_3)

 

In this month of the course, we will discuss assistance of courts in the arbitration process, essentials of an enforceable arbitration award, challenge against the arbitral awards orders of the court and enforcement of arbitration awards. This month will focus on both the theoretical background and the practical effects of an arbitration award.

(1)   Interim Measures

(2)   Appointment of Arbitrator

(3)   Removal of Arbitrator

(4)   Extension of Time

(5)   Assistance in the Arbitral Process

(6)   Essentials of an enforceable arbitration award

(7)   Challenge against Arbitration Awards

(8)   Appeal against order of court and arbitrator

(9)   Enforcement of an award

 

THE WAY FORWARD (MONTH 4)

 

In the last month of the course, we will briefly revise the essential concepts learned throughout the course and discuss how the process of arbitration in India can be evolved moving forward.

This month’s discussions will include:

1)     The problems with arbitration in practice.

2)     Issues with unnecessary intervention by courts.

3)     Areas of Arbitration law that lack clarity and transparency.

4)     Suggested changes to make the practice of arbitration in India more efficient and effective.

Details for Registration

Applications will be invited through a Google form. Registrations will be accepted only on the basis of submitting google forms.

https://forms.gle/dPmfutD6LFrmVGjL6

For  any queries please contact:

Course Co Ordinator

Sanjay Johnson, Advocate, High Court of Kerala - Mobile 9567457405

 Student Co Ordinator

 Meena P – 7907057302

Kishor Kumar K - 8606600930


KHCAA Arbitration Training

Arbitration Training

Course Aim

•To provide an understanding of the general principles of domestic and international arbitration.
•To provide candidates an introduction to the legal framework of arbitral tribunals, best practices and procedure.
•One of the important focus of the course is practice and procedure of institutional arbitration.
•To provide training in the skills of an arbitrator and arbitration counsel.

Duration, digital platform and Participation

•The duration of the course is 50 hours over a period of two months
•Including 32 hours online lectures and 10 hours interactive sessions and 8 hours of other exercises assignments.
•The live interactive sessions will be lead by experts in the field of arbitration.
•Study materials, recorded clauses etc., will be provided in the Moodle Platform and the participants will be provided and the  password using which the candidates can access the contents.  The participants are expected to review the relevant course materials  before attending the live interactive sessions with the experts
•The total number of participation shall be 75 (50 members of KHCAA and 25 final year students)

Session-1
Importance of Arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism in the changing world

The following concepts to be introduced

•How is Arbitration superior to other forms of dispute resolution
•Discuss the concept of confidentiality and party autonomy
•Importance of UNCITRAL MODEL LAW  in the development of the national law of the member countries
•Importance of New York Convention in the recognition of foreign arbitration awards and enforcement of foreign arbitration awards.
•Part II of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996
•Flexibility of Arbitration, through Med Arb to resolve complex litigation.
•Scope of online arbitrations to resolving international commercial disputes.
Session II
Party Autotomy and Role of Courts
•Role of Courts in Arbitration
•Reference to arbitration, Interim Measures, Court Assistance in evidence, Challenge against Arbitration, Challenge against Arbitral Awards, Appeals and Enforcement of Arbitration Award.
•Party Autonomy
•Classification of  provisions of AC Act 1996 into mandatory and non mandatory clauses 
•Party Autonomy in the matter of appointment of Arbitrator under the AC Act 1996 and in devising the Arbitral Procedure.  Application of CPC and Evidence Act in Arbitral Proceedings.

Session III
Case Management and Arbitral Process
•Case management in Arbitration.
•Procedural Order No. 1, Peremptory Orders and Interim Measures
•Doctrine of kompetenz-kompetenz and the Application of Section 16 of the AC Act 1996
•Role of Interrogatives,  Discovery, Production of Documents and Expert Evidence in Arbitration.
• Document only Arbitration
•Oral Hearing
•Termination of Arbitral Proceedings
Session IV
Award Writing
•Form of an Award
•Statutory requirements of an Award
•Interim Award and Final Award
•Fundamentals of Award Writing,
•Interest and cost
•Application of Stamp Act in the Matter of Arbitration Agreement and Arbitration Awards
Session V
Institutionalization of Arbitration
•Administrative assistance in Arbitration
•Reference to Section 6 of the AC Act 1996.
•Cost implication for administration of the institution supervising the administration.
•The major amendments to the AC Act 1996, towards institutionalization of Arbitration.
•History and Development of Major Arbitral Institutions.
•Establishing Arbitral institutions
•Legal Frame Work
•Experience from other Arbitration friendly jurisdictions