1st Justice J.S. Verma National Blog Writing Competition, 2026 by UP State Institute of Forensic Science: Submit by May 22

 About Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science

The Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS), Lucknow is a premier government institution established in 2023 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. It is affiliated with the National Forensic Sciences University and follows an interdisciplinary “law-with-labs” approach, integrating legal education with forensic sciences to develop analytical and investigative skills among students.

About the Blog Competition

The School of Law, Forensic Justice & Policy Studies, UPSIFS, Lucknow is organizing the 1st Justice J.S. Verma National Blog Writing Competition, 2026.

This national-level initiative aims to encourage students to critically engage with emerging legal challenges arising from technological advancements and digital transformation. The competition is named in honour of Justice J.S. Verma, a pioneer of judicial activism and constitutional jurisprudence in India.

About the Call for Blogs

It invites original, well-researched, and analytical blog submissions from students across disciplines on contemporary issues at the intersection of technology, law, and society.

Eligibility

• Open to students from any discipline, university, or year of study
• Single author or co-authorship (maximum 2 authors) allowed
• Cross-institutional collaboration permitted

 Theme

“Technology, Law, And Society: Navigating Emerging challenges In The Digital  Age”

 Submission Categories / Sub-Themes

A. Data Protection & Privacy

• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Opportunities & Challenges
• Privacy vs Surveillance
• Consent in AI & Big Data

B. Artificial Intelligence & Law

• AI and Criminal Liability
• Algorithmic Bias
• AI in Investigation

C. Cyber Law & Cyber Crime

• Cybercrime trends in India
• Dark Web & Cryptocurrency
• Cyber Forensics

D. Forensic & Technology Interface

• Digital evidence in trials
• Admissibility of electronic evidence
• Chain of custody

E. Technology & Human Rights

• Right to Privacy (Post-Puttaswamy)
• Digital Divide
• Surveillance & Civil Liberties

F. Social Media & Regulation

• Free Speech vs Regulation
• Fake News & Deepfakes
• Intermediary Liability

Any other related topic is also welcome

Formatting Guidelines

• Word Limit: ~1500 words (excluding footnotes)
• Font: Times New Roman, Size 12
• Line Spacing: 1.5
• Alignment: Justified
• Citation Style: Bluebook 21st Edition
• Footnotes: Size 10, Single spacing

 Submission Guidelines

• Plagiarism: Maximum 10% allowed
• AI Usage: Maximum 20% permitted
• Format: Submit in .doc/.docx and .pdf
• Evaluation Criteria:
  • Relevance
  • Clarity & Structure
  • Creativity & Originality
  • Engagement & Impact
  • Grammar (Total: 100 marks)

 Submission Deadline

• Registration Opens: 22 April 2026
• Last Date of Submission: 22 May 2026
• Result Announcement: 28 May 2026

Submission Procedure

Click Here to Submit.

Contact Information

 Email: [email protected]

Student Coordinators:

• Sarthak Yadav – 8173057373
• Awantika Srivastava – 9264903453

The brochure is here.