3rd National Pro Bono and Legal Aid Conclave on The Justice Synergy by National Forensic Sciences University [Cash Prizes Rs 51K]: Register by Feb 25 – Date Extended

About National Forensic Sciences University

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), formerly known as Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, is the world’s first university dedicated exclusively to forensic sciences and allied disciplines. In 2020, it was accorded the status of an Institution of National Importance by the Government of India. The School of Law, Forensic Justice and Policy Studies (SLFJPS) was established to impart professional legal education that integrates forensic science with law, criminal justice, and public policy.

About Pro Bono Club and Legal Assistance Cell

The Pro Bono Club and Legal Assistance Cell at SLFJPS, NFSU, is a student-driven initiative committed to advancing access to justice for socially and economically marginalised communities. Guided by Article 39A of the Constitution of India and the DISHA Scheme of the Department of Justice, the Cell undertakes legal awareness programmes and provides free legal assistance through structured outreach and institutional engagement.

About the Victim Support Services Clinic (VSSC)

The Victim Support Services Clinic (VSSC) functions under the Pro Bono Club and Legal Assistance Cell as a specialised, victim-centric initiative. It aims to strengthen access to justice for crime victims by addressing their legal, psychological, and social needs through a holistic framework. The Clinic emphasises legal awareness, guided assistance, referral mechanisms, and effective coordination with institutions to ensure dignified participation and rehabilitation of victims within the justice system.

About the Conclave

The Pro Bono Club and Legal Assistance Cell is organising the 3rd National Pro Bono and Legal Aid Conclave – “The Justice Synergy”, conceived as a national forum to foster dialogue on strengthening access to justice in India. The Conclave seeks to bring together academicians, legal practitioners, policymakers, civil society stakeholders, and law students to deliberate on contemporary challenges and emerging frameworks in pro bono legal aid and justice delivery.

Theme

The theme for this edition is “Necessities for Building a Protective Legal Ecosystem for Children: Insights into Child Advocacy, POCSO, and Restorative Justice.”

The Conclave will focus on child-centric justice mechanisms, victim protection frameworks, and rights-based, rehabilitative approaches within the criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on procedural sensitivity and institutional accountability.

Events and Competitions

The Conclave features a diverse mix of academic and skill-based events structured around three thematic pillars:

Theme 1: Child-Centric Practice & Victim Support Mechanisms

• Margadarshan (Speed Mentoring): Interactive mentoring sessions connecting students with legal professionals.
• Sahara (Victim Counselling): A simulation-based exercise focused on first-response legal and emotional support.
• Drishti (Reel Making): Digital storytelling to promote awareness of victim support services.
• Abhivyakti (Extempore Challenge): A real-time assessment of legal reasoning and ethical decision-making.

Theme 2: Law, Policy & Strategic Legal Interventions

• Policy Prism (Policy Drafting): Drafting research-based policy proposals addressing systemic legal issues.
• Public Cause Pursuit (PIL Drafting): Conceptualising Public Interest Litigations on child-centric causes.

Theme 3: Strengthening Legal Education

• Panel Discussion: An exclusive session for Faculty Coordinators focusing on best practices in legal aid clinics and experiential legal education.

Eligibility and Team Composition

• The Conclave is open to bona fide students enrolled in a 3-year or 5-year law programme at any recognised institution or university.
• Each team shall consist of six members: five students and one Faculty Coordinator.
• The Faculty Coordinator shall participate online.
• Multiple teams from the same institution are permitted.

Date and Venue

• Dates: 7th – 8th March, 2026
• Mode: Offline
• Venue: National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Registration Fees

• With Accommodation: Rs. 8,000 per team
• Without accommodation: Rs. 2,000 per team

Awards and Prizes

The total prize pool for the Conclave is ₹51,000, distributed as follows:

• First Prize: ₹20,000
• Second Prize: ₹12,000
• Third Prize: ₹9,000
• Best PIL Drafting: ₹5,000
• Best Reel: ₹5,000

Exclusive SCC Online Benefits

• For Winners: One-year complimentary subscription to SCC Online Web Edition for the top three teams (worth ₹96,000).
• For Participants: One-month access to SCC Online Web Edition for all participants (worth ₹3,100 per participant).

Important Dates

• Last Date of Registration: 25th February 2026
• PIL Drafting Submission: 28th February 2026
• Policy Prism (Policy Drafting) Submission: 2nd March 2026
• Reel Making Submission: 4th March 2026
• The Conclave: March 7th – 8th, 2026

Registration Procedure

Click Here To Register.

Contact Info

For further details, please refer to the brochure attached or contact on [email protected]

The brochure is here and rulebook is here.