1st CCJHR National Essay Writing Competition by CCJHR, NLU Odisha [Cash Prizes Rs 16K]: Register by Dec 21

About The Organisation

The Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights (CCJHR) at National Law University Odisha (NLUO) is a research-focused centre committed to fostering academic discourse on criminal law, human rights, and contemporary justice system reforms. The Centre regularly undertakes seminars, publications, and student-driven initiatives to contribute meaningfully to policy and legal scholarship.

About The Event

The 1st CCJHR National Essay Writing Competition aims to promote analytical engagement with the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, India’s new criminal procedure code. Participants are encouraged to critically examine the reform’s legal, procedural, and technological implications for the criminal justice system.

Eligibility

Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate law students from recognised universities and law schools across India.

Theme

“The Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Reimagining Criminal Justice in Contemporary India”

Sub-Themes (Indicative)

• BNSS vs. CrPC – Continuity or Change?
• Speedy Trials under BNSS – Aspiration vs. Reality
• Presumption of Innocence in the Age of Media Trials
• Powers of Police under BNSS
• Victim Empowerment in BNSS
• Technology in Criminal Justice under BNSS: From e-FIRs to Digital Evidence

Prizes

Total Prize Pool: ₹16,000

• First Prize: ₹8,000
• Second Prize: ₹5,000
• Third Prize: ₹3,000

All participants will receive Certificates of Participation.

Formatting Guidelines

• No identifying information in the manuscript
• Word Limit: 1000–1500 words (excluding footnotes, bibliography, index)
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12 (body & headings), 10 (footnotes)
• Line Spacing: 1.5 (body), 1.0 (footnotes)
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides
• Citation: OSCOLA
• Speaking footnotes allowed (max 50 words each)
• Plagiarism threshold: 10 percent (UGC norms)
• AI-generated content is strictly prohibited

Selection Guidelines

Essays will be evaluated on:

• Originality and depth of analysis
• Understanding of BNSS provisions
• Clarity, structure, and coherence
• Quality of legal reasoning
• Compliance with formatting and anonymity rules

Submission Guidelines

• Attach the official cover page shared after registration
• Manuscript must be anonymous
• File format: .docx only
• File Naming Format: TeamCode_Title

Example: A50_Technology and Due Process under BNSS

Registration And Submission Deadline (Important Dates)

• Last Date for Registration: December 21, 2025
• Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025

Registration Fees

Fee payable via ICICI Collect

(Complete payment steps and fee details provided HERE)

Registration Process

• Pay the registration fee through ICICI Collect
• Fill the Registration Form: Click Here
• Receive the assigned Team Code after successful registration
• Use the Team Code for all submissions and communication

Submission Procedure

• Upload the final essay via the Submission Google Form (shared after registration)
• Ensure anonymity and attach only the prescribed cover page

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +91 98453 53404 / +91 72177 56565

The brochure is here.