India’s Rehman appointed judge for global law debate competition
Nagaland-based policy researcher Ashraf Rehman will adjudicate international competition, becoming first known appointee from India's northeast
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Indian Muslim policy researcher and columnist Ashraf Rehman has been appointed as a judge for the World Law Student Association (WLSA) International Debate 2026, a role that supporters say marks the first time someone from India’s northeastern region has been selected to adjudicate the global competition.
According to The Morung Express, Rehman, who is based in the northeastern state of Nagaland, will serve as a judge during the international debate on July 21 after receiving an invitation from the WLSA’s Office of the Chairman for Academic Affairs.
The organization cited his experience in public policy research, debating and legal education as reasons for the appointment.
Headquartered in Nigeria, the World Law Student Association is a nonprofit organization that connects law students, academics and legal professionals through international debates, academic exchanges and leadership programs.
As a judge, Rehman will assess participants on legal reasoning, analytical ability, argumentation and presentation skills.
Rehman said the appointment reflects years of involvement in competitive debating and public policy. He began debating as a school student before competing at state and national levels, winning several university and regional debate titles, including the Best Debater award at the NIT Nagaland English Oculus Debate in 2015. More recently, he served as a judge at the Authors’ Conclave National Debate 2026.
Beyond debating, Rehman has built a career as a researcher focusing on public policy, governance, energy, sustainable development and national security.
His research and commentary have appeared in publications including The Policy Edge, Asian Confluence, Forum for Integrated National Security, Mainstream Weekly and Policy Circles. His empirical research on development in Nagaland has also been published in Sage’s Journal of Development Policy and Practice.
In 2023, Rehman was selected as a Green International Fellow, where he worked on clean energy policy and sustainable development initiatives.
The same year, he participated in the North East Youth Leaders Conclave, a leadership program supported by the European Union and the National Foundation for India that promotes democratic engagement and regional cooperation among young leaders.
Reacting to the appointment, Rehman described becoming the first known individual from Northeast India to judge the WLSA International Debate as “humbling and deeply meaningful.” “Above all, the mercy of Almighty God is the core reason for this opportunity,” he said.
“North East India in general and Nagaland have abundant intellectual human resources,” he said. “I believe this is a small beginning for many more great opportunities in the region and for the rising intellectual minds.”
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