Call for Abstracts | NLUO-HWA National Conference 2025: Submit by May 15

About NLUO

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­National Law University Odisha, Cuttack was established by Act 4 of 2008 by the Odisha State Legislature keeping in mind an enunciated vision of advancement of learning, teaching, research, diffusion of knowledge in the field of law and catering to the needs of society by developing the professional skills of those intending to take up the professions of Advocacy, Judicial Services, Legal services, and so on. National Law University, Odisha is committed to providing an atmosphere in which academic excellence is the foremost priority for students.

About Constitutional Law Society

The Constitutional Law Society of National Law University Odisha was established in 2018 with a vision to provide a platform for public discourse and deliberation vis-à-vis Constitutional Law. Constitutional Law Society NLUO seeks to supplement an accessible forum for intellectual discourse and shape the discussion of the most important and relevant issues of constitutional law through meticulous scholarship, public lectures and seminars, and research through independent projects, conferences, and co-operation with other institutions and individuals engaged in constitutional study. The Constitutional Law Society, National Law University Odisha endeavors through the course of its activities to foster awareness about the subject and its importance.

About SAAEW

The Constitutional Law Society of National Law University Odisha was established in 2018 with a vision to provide a platform for public discourse and deliberation vis-à-vis Constitutional Law. Constitutional Law Society NLUO seeks to supplement an accessible forum for intellectual discourse and shape the discussion of the most important and relevant issues of constitutional law through meticulous scholarship, public lectures and seminars, and research through independent projects, conferences, and co-operation with other institutions and individuals engaged in constitutional study.

About the Conference

The interpretation of fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution has undergone a profound transformation, extending beyond human concerns to recognize the legal personhood and rights of non-human entities. In landmark rulings, Indian courts have affirmed the legal status of nature and animals, reinforcing the constitutional obligation to protect them. This Conference seeks to examine these evolving jurisprudential developments and their intersection with contemporary issues such as indigenous rights, sustainable development, animal personhood, euthanasia, digital privacy, and social security. As constitutional law expands its scope, it raises critical questions about balancing human interests with the recognition of non-human rights.

Deliberations will also focus on how judicial pronouncements have interpreted Article 21 to extend protection to the environment, including rulings that recognize natural entities as legal persons with enforceable rights. Additionally, the event will examine the role of Article 21 in shaping digital rights, including the right to be forgotten, the expanding discourse on social security as a fundamental right, and the constitutional position on euthanasia for both humans and non-humans.

By bringing together leading scholars, legal practitioners, and policymakers, this platform will facilitate in-depth discussions on the practical and philosophical implications of non-human rights within constitutional law. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, the Conference will engage in meaningful discourse on the challenges of integrating these rights into legal and policy frameworks.

About Call For Papers

Papers are invited on topics related to the theme of the conference. To accommodate diverse forms of academic engagement, select teams will be allowed to present their research exclusively through posters instead of formal paper presentations. Submitted abstracts will undergo a thorough review process and will be selected for either (i) research paper presentation, or (ii) poster presentation. Abstracts selected for poster presentation will not be required to submit or present a full-length research paper at the conference.

Eligibility

It invites students from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral qualifications, practitioners, academicians, policymakers, and scholars to participate in the conference to share valuable insights on the subject and start a dialogue on issues not discussed before.

Theme

The Expanding Jurisprudence of Article 21 of the Constitution

• Indigenous rights and Sustainable Development as a Component of the Right to Life.
• The Constitutional Balance Between the Livelihood Rights of Animal Breeders and the Protection of Animal Welfare
• Role of Article 21 in Securing Animal Identity, Personhood and Rights – Analysis, Challenges and Mechanisms
• Development of the Right to be Forgotten
• The Expanding Right to Social Security and Social Welfare
• The right to die: Analysis of how the constitution address euthanasia for humans and non-humans

Note:These are only suggestive sub-themes and the participants have the discretion to opt for a different sub theme, so long as it falls under the ambit of Article 21 and co-relates to the broader theme of the Conference.

Submission Categories

Abstract Submission – to be selected for either research paper submission or poster presentation

Formatting Guidelines

Abstracts

• Word Limit: 250–350 words
• Keywords: Maximum 5
• File Format: .doc/.docx
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12
• Line Spacing: 1.15
• Alignment: Justified

Research Papers

• Word Limit: 4000–8000 words (excluding footnotes)
• Citation: Oxford University Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities (OSCOLA, 4th ed., 2012)
• Co-authorship: Up to three authors allowed
• File Format: .doc/.docx

Main Body

• Font: Times New Roman, Size 12
• Line Spacing: 1.5
• Alignment: Justified

Footnotes

• Times New Roman, Size 10
• Line Spacing: 1
• Alignment: Justified
• File Naming Convention: ParticipantCode_Title
• Similarity Index: Must not exceed 15%
• Use of AI Tools: Prohibited
• Acronyms: Full form at first use followed by abbreviation in brackets (e.g., K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (“Puttaswamy case”))

Poster Presentation

• Title: The title should be at the top of the poster in large, bold font. The full title of the research paper must be included.
• Authors: The names of all authors, along with their affiliations must be listed.
• Size of Poster: The poster should be 36 inches (width) by 48 inches (height).
• Orientation: Posters should be in portrait orientation.
• Font Size:
  • Title: 72 pt (or larger)
  • Section Headers: 36 pt
  • Body Text: 24 pt
  • Captions: 18-20 pt
• Image and Graphics: Use high-resolution images. Avoid overcrowding the poster with text; use bullet points and visuals to convey information succinctly.
• White Space: Leave adequate white space to avoid clutter and ensure readability. Optional, but encouraged.
• QR codes: QR codes can be used to link to additional resources, full papers, or contact information.
• Submission Format: The poster must be submitted in pdf format.

Submission Guidelines

Click Here To Submit.

Abstract Submission

• The abstract should not exceed 250-350 words and must be submitted on or before 11:59 pm, 15^th May 2025.
• The abstract must contain maximum five relevant keywords.
• The abstract must highlight the structure and essence of the paper.

Research Paper Submission

• Participants whose abstracts are selected are required to submit their full research papers by 11:59 PM on 5th August 2025. The word limit for the research paper is 4000 to 8000 words, excluding footnotes. Co-authorship is permitted for up to three authors. Submissions must be original and should not have been published or submitted elsewhere.
•  A similarity index of no more than 15% will be accepted, and the use of AI tools in drafting is strictly prohibited. Authors are encouraged, though not mandated, to support their presentations with PowerPoint slides.
• The final submission must be made in .doc/.docx format and uploaded via the official Research Paper Submission Form: Google form.

Registration Fees

After confirmation of selection of abstract, the participants are required to make the requisite payment for registration. The participants must fill the Google form for registration and upload the fee receipt for confirmation of registration.

Note: The fee mentioned is not for the entire participating team but the per-person fee. Registration fee includes registration kits, lunch and refreshments for both days of the conference. For those wanting accommodation to be arranged by the organisers, the committee will charge a nominal extra fee for the same. For more information regarding the accommodation policy and arrangements, write to us at this email ID: [email protected]

Registration Process

• Click on the URL –  https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/
• Click on ‘Educational Institutes’ on the SBI Collect Home Page.
• In the search bar, type ‘NATIONAL LAW UNIVERISTY ODISHA’ and select the same from the drop-down menu.
• Select Payment Category ‘Registration for Seminar and Events’. Fill ‘National Conference on Expanding Principles of Constitutional Law and Non-Human Rights under Article 21’ in the ‘Name of Event’ column and furnish the other required details to make payment.
• Download the SBI Collect Receipt to be attached in the form.
• Fill the Google form for Registration.

Registration And Submission Deadline

Submission Procedure

• Abstract Submission Form: Click Here
• Paper Submission Form: Click Here
• Registration Form: Click Here
• Participation Form: Click Here

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Student Coordinators:

• Siddharth Aiyar – +91 6369668503
• Nayana KB – +91 7259543790
• Arya Singh – +91 8463864730
• Astha Samal – +91 7225020390

Official Link

All updates will be accessible through the Google Drive Link.