​Fifteen years ago, a small group of law students gathered with a shared vision—to champion the relevance and rigour of international law at Government Law College, Mumbai. SPIL Mumbai was born in those initial discussions and it quickly became a space where passion for international law found a thriving community. From its humble beginnings, this student-led initiative has grown into an institution.

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The SPIL we know today—with its lectures, competitions, research publications, and outreach activities—was not always as we see it. The journey has been one of gradual transformation, marked by highs, challenges, and a commitment that has only deepened over time. It was through these initiatives that SPIL found its first footing. As each academic year unfolded, new committees built upon the legacy of their predecessors, introducing landmark events that would define SPIL for years to come.

 

From the very beginning, the Government Law College International Law Summit has been the crowning jewel of SPIL Mumbai’s yearly calendar. Inaugurated alongside SPIL itself in the year 2009, the Summit quickly established itself as a landmark event, drawing participants, academics, and legal professionals from across India and beyond. Through thought-provoking key note addresses, paper presentations, panel discussions, and competitions like the Judgment Deliberation Competition©️ (JDC) and the Treaty Appreciation Competition©️ (TAC) the Summit offers a unique platform to explore pressing issues in international law. Over the years, we’ve hosted speakers of global repute, fostering an environment where students can engage with distinguished diplomats, international personalities, and advocates. The Summit has become more than an event; it is a tradition that embodies SPIL’s commitment to enriching the legal discourse on a national and international level.

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The National Legal Article Writing Competition, now a celebrated fixture, began as an ambitious project to bridge practical skills and academic knowledge for young law students.

 

The esteemed GLC-SPIL International Law Journal (ILJ) soon followed—a bold venture to foster student research and a platform to share insights on global legal issues. Each new project, each new idea, was a step towards SPIL’s mission: to foster a deeper, more critical understanding of international law.

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Our journey has been marked by an unwavering focus on creating educational opportunities that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. SPIL has given students insights into diverse aspects of international law, from arbitration and human rights to environmental law and global trade. Notable guest speakers, including senior advocates, renowned academicians, and respected judges, have brought a wealth of expertise, inspiring students and expanding their perspectives.
 

As SPIL grew, so did its reach and impact. We partnered with some of the most respected institutions and professionals in the field, enabling our members to engage with real-world legal challenges and voices of authority. From collaborations with law firms and think tanks to symposiums with UN representatives and seasoned advocates, SPIL Mumbai has sought to bridge the gap between the academic and the professional, between theory and practice.

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Over the years, we’ve become more than just a student committee. SPIL is a community, a family, united by a shared commitment to learning and advocacy. Our alumni have carried the spirit of SPIL forward, pursuing careers as advocates, researchers, and policy-makers across India and beyond. They have taken the lessons learned here—about teamwork, perseverance, and the value of informed dialogue—into their own careers, shaping spaces and bringing a piece of SPIL with them wherever they go.

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But fifteen years is not just about looking back; it is about stepping forward with renewed resolve. As we celebrate this milestone, SPIL is already laying the groundwork for the future. We’re expanding our activities, opening new horizons for research, and fostering the next generation of leaders who will guide SPIL into its next chapter. This year, our theme, the International Environmental Law, reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of contemporary legal discourse and pushing boundaries in how we understand and interact with global issues. This year, we’ve launched several new initiatives aimed at broadening our community’s access to knowledge and making international law more accessible to the public.

• SPIL Blogs: Our blogging platform has quickly become a hub for student-written articles on contemporary issues in international law. It provides a space for members and contributors to share insights, reflect on recent developments, and analyse the impact of legal issues across borders.

• SPIL Explainers: This series simplifies complex international conflicts and developments, offering the public clear and concise overviews on significant events. From the Israel-Palestine conflict to updates on global environmental treaties, SPIL Explainers break down important issues for a broader audience.

• Summarisation of Judgments from International Courts: This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a more informed legal community. By summarising landmark judgments from international courts, we aim to make these crucial rulings accessible to students and legal enthusiasts alike, highlighting the ways these judgments shape global legal norms.

• Collaborations with Diplomats and Legal Experts: We’ve been privileged to engage with foreign diplomats and international legal practitioners, adding valuable insights to our initiatives. These collaborations not only elevate the quality of our activities but also encourage cross-cultural dialogues that enrich our members' perspectives.

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One of our most recent achievements was hosting a guest lecture by His Excellency, the Consul General of Malaysia in Mumbai, who spoke on the relevance of international law today. Such events not only offer an opportunity for academic engagement but also deepen our members' appreciation for the global implications of law and policy.

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SPIL Mumbai’s journey is one of transformation and resilience. It’s the story of countless students and mentors who believed in the vision of a stronger, more informed, and more connected community for international law. In our fifteenth year, we celebrate not only our past but the promise of what lies ahead.

 

To every member, every partner, and every individual who has been part of our journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Together, we’ve built something remarkable—something that will continue to inspire and impact for years to come.

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To fifteen years of SPIL Mumbai, and to many more years of growth, inspiration, and impact.