The Constitutional Law Symposium 2026, jointly organised by the National Law Institute University (NLIU) Bhopal and India Foundation, opens its doors to students, researchers, academicians, lawyers, and policy thinkers interested in advancing cutting-edge scholarship in constitutional law. This edition focuses on the rapidly evolving relationship between constitutional principles and emerging technologies — a theme of growing global relevance. With a rigorous paper presentation competition, high-profile panel discussions, and publication opportunities, the Symposium stands as one of India’s most respected academic platforms for legal discourse.
About the Organization / University
The National Law Institute University (NLIU), established in 1997, is one of India’s premier National Law Universities known for its academic excellence, research culture, and distinguished alumni working across the judiciary, corporate sector, policy institutions, and global academia. NLIU has built a reputation for fostering critical thinking, legal scholarship, and meaningful engagement with contemporary issues.
The Symposium is coordinated by NLIU Manthan – Centre for Knowledge & Policy Discussion, a centre dedicated to fostering policy-oriented dialogue and research. It regularly hosts debates, conferences, and discussions on issues of national importance, encouraging students and scholars to engage deeply with legal and policy frameworks.
The event is organized in collaboration with India Foundation, a leading independent think tank that focuses on governance, national security, civilizational studies, and public policy. Known for its thought-leadership and academic rigour, India Foundation brings intellectual depth and national relevance to the Symposium’s themes and discussions.
Together, NLIU and India Foundation offer a strong academic platform for participants looking to expand their understanding of constitutional law in a technologically advanced era.
About the Symposium / Opportunity
The 4th NLIU–India Foundation Constitutional Law Symposium 2026 continues the tradition of promoting research on contemporary constitutional issues. The two-day event features:
- Paper Presentation Competition
- Multiple Panel Discussions
- Interactions with eminent scholars, judges, senior advocates, and policy experts
Main Theme: “Intersection of Constitutional Law and Technology”
Participants are invited to submit original, analytical manuscripts exploring how advancements in technology reshape constitutional values such as privacy, freedom of speech, surveillance, due process, democratic transparency, and access to justice.
Some suggested sub-themes include:
- Digital Justice and E-Courts
- AI in Indian Judiciary and Law Enforcement
- Digital Divide in Access to Justice
- Privacy and Data Protection
- Free Speech in the Era of Algorithms
- Electoral Integrity and Technology
The top 20 manuscripts (tentative) will be shortlisted for offline presentation at NLIU Bhopal. Selected entries will also be published in an ISBN-bearing edited volume by NLIU Manthan.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 2 December 2025 |
| Intimation of Acceptance | 9 December 2025 |
| Registrations Start | 12 December 2025 |
| Full Paper Submission | 25 December 2025 |
| Final Acceptance | 6 January 2026 |
| Conference Date | To Be Notified |
Location and Mode
Mode: Offline
Venue: National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-day academic event |
| Working Hours | Full-day sessions (as per official schedule) |
| Supervisor / Mentor | NLIU Manthan Editorial Board & Academic Panel |
Eligibility & Requirements
The Symposium welcomes participation from:
- Academicians
- Lawyers
- Research Scholars
- Students
- Social Activists
Requirements include:
- Original manuscript between 5000–8000 words, inclusive of footnotes.
- Abstract not exceeding 300 words.
- Formatting in Times New Roman, following the guidelines provided by NLIU.
- Citations must strictly follow OSCOLA 4th Edition.
- Co-authorship allowed for up to three authors.
- Papers undergo multiple levels of review — editorial board screening followed by external peer review.
Only the top submissions demonstrating academic depth, relevance, and clarity will be shortlisted for presentation and publication.
Additional Highlights
- Publication opportunity in an ISBN book
- Offline presentation at NLIU Bhopal
- Cash prizes totalling ₹55,000
- Certificate of participation for presenters
- Exposure to reputed panelists and scholars
- Networking opportunities with legal experts and researchers
Awards & Cash Prizes
| Category | Prize (INR) |
|---|---|
| Best Presenter | ₹25,000 |
| 1st Runner-Up | ₹15,000 |
| 2nd Runner-Up | ₹10,000 |
| Best Research Paper | ₹5,000 |
| Total Prize Pool | ₹55,000 |
FAQs about the Constitutional Law Symposium
1. Who can apply for this Constitutional Law Symposium?
Anyone interested in constitutional law and technology—students, academicians, lawyers, researchers, and social activists—is eligible to participate. The competition is open to individuals from all recognized institutions.
2. Is this Constitutional Law Symposium paid or unpaid?
There is no fee for submitting abstracts. The event itself is not a paid internship or fellowship, but selected participants stand to win cash prizes and secure publication opportunities.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The deadline for submitting the abstract is 2 December 2025. Participants must follow all subsequent deadlines for acceptance, registration, and full paper submission.
4. What is the selection process?
Submitted abstracts and manuscripts are reviewed by the Editorial Board of NLIU Manthan. Shortlisted papers undergo external peer review. Final selections are based on originality, analytical strength, and alignment with the theme.
5. Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. All shortlisted participants who present at the Symposium will receive an official certificate from NLIU.
Important Links
- Submission Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Iqg6gMnfC_ni7HO5G5s8mD-Z7oUqkBmmL1_o5v2vfs0/edit - Email: manthan@nliu.ac.in
- Phone (Convenor): +91 62650 56936
- Phone (Co-Convenor): +91 94074 04808
- Organization: National Law Institute University, Bhopal
Contact Information
- Email: manthan@nliu.ac.in
- Phone: +91 62650 56936 / +91 94074 04808
- Address: NLIU, Bhopal