Call for Papers | Consumer in Transition: Law, Technology and the Future of Markets by NUSRL, Ranchi: Submit by May 3

About NUSRL, Ranchi

The National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, is an institution dedicated to the cause of imparting legal education, established by the Jharkhand Government vide National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi Act 2010. The Chief Justice of the High Court of Jharkhand, Hon’ble, Mr. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, is the Chancellor. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Judge, Supreme Court of India, is the visitor and His Excellency Santosh Gangwar, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand, is the rector of NUSRL, Ranchi. Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil is the Vice-Chancellor of NUSRL. We are a Law University offering B.A.LL.B.(Hons.), LL.M., Ph.D. in law, and postgraduate diploma courses.

Since 2010, NUSRL has been dedicated to the task of providing world-class legal education to students pursuing our courses. Many of our past students are serving as judges and law officers in various government departments, and many of them have settled into practice at the Bar. Students from NUSRL have consistently demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. To impart quality education, we have specialised faculty who have obtained their education from the best universities in India and abroad and have several publications in the form of research papers and books to their credit. We offer several specialisation courses, including courses in criminal law, forensic science, corporate laws, IPR, etc., wherein students study the intricacies and nuances of the subjects.

About CCRP

In view of the emerging markets globally and high expectations of the consumers for better services, standards, variety of choices available, etc., the Chair on Consumer Research & Policy (CCRP), NUSRL, Ranchi aims to promote research, teaching, and training in Consumer Laws and consumer protection in various sectors such as e-commerce, health, financial, transport, insurance, airlines, etc. The Chair is established to undertake the activities in furtherance of the objectives of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, rules and regulations related to this Act as well as the roles and regulations of consumer dispute redressal commission in the interest of protection of the rights of consumers, etc.

About this Volume

Markets today are undergoing a profound transformation. Rapid technological innovation, expanding digital marketplaces, and the growing commodification of data have fundamentally reshaped the relationship between consumers, corporations, and regulators. The modern consumer now operates not only as a buyer of goods and services but also as a data subject within complex digital ecosystems.

While these developments have expanded access and convenience, they have also raised serious concerns regarding consumer autonomy, privacy, transparency, and accountability. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, algorithmic pricing, digital financial services, and data-driven marketing practices are creating new forms of consumer vulnerability that traditional regulatory frameworks often struggle to address.

Against this backdrop, the Chair on Consumer Research and Policy, National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, invites original and unpublished papers that critically engage with emerging challenges in consumer protection, market regulation, and consumer rights.

This volume seeks to bring together interdisciplinary perspectives that examine the evolving role of law and policy in safeguarding consumers in rapidly transforming markets.

Themes And Prospective Sub-Themes

The Invisible Consumer: Power, Manipulation and Rights in Modern Markets

• Dark patterns and behavioural manipulation in digital marketplaces
• Algorithmic decision-making and consumer discrimination
• Surveillance capitalism and consumer autonomy
• Influencer marketing and covert advertising practices
• Regulatory responses to manipulative digital business practices

Consumer Law at the Crossroads: Markets, Technology and Regulation

• Regulation of e-commerce marketplaces under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
• Artificial intelligence in consumer decision-making
• Consumer protection in fintech and digital lending ecosystems
• Cross-border e-commerce and jurisdictional challenges
• Consumer dispute resolution in the digital age

From Buyer to Data Point: The Transformation of Consumer Identity

• Data as the new commodity in consumer markets
• Privacy rights and consumer autonomy
• Consumer profiling and behavioural prediction
• Personalised pricing and fairness concerns
• Regulating data-driven consumer markets

Green Choices or Green Illusions? Sustainability and the Consumer

• Greenwashing and deceptive sustainability claims
• Eco-labelling and consumer trust
• The right to repair and sustainable consumption
• Ethical consumption and supply chain transparency
• Corporate environmental claims and accountability

The Future Consumer: Rights, Risks and Regulation in Emerging Markets

• Consumer protection in AI-driven products and services
• Consumer rights in the metaverse and virtual marketplaces
• Smart devices and IoT product liability concerns
• Cryptocurrency platforms and consumer vulnerability
• Digital financial services and regulatory oversight

Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission

Authors are required to submit an abstract of 250-300 words clearly outlining the key arguments of the proposed chapter.

Submission Categories & Word Limits

• Articles: 5000 – 6000 words
• Short Articles: 2500 – 4000 words
• Legislative Comments: 1500 – 2500 words
• Book Reviews: 1000 – 2500 words

Note: Word limits are inclusive of footnotes.

Originality Requirement

Submissions must be original and unpublished and should not be under consideration for publication elsewhere.

Formatting Guidelines

• Font: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12 pt (main text), 10 pt (footnotes)
• Line Spacing: 1.5 for main text, single spacing for footnotes
• Alignment: Justified

Citation Style

All citations must conform to Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (21st Edition).

Submission Format

Manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx). Selected authors will be notified and shared the link to share the final manuscript.

Author Details

A separate cover page must include:

• Name of author(s)
• Institutional affiliation
• Designation
• Contact email and phone number

Plagiarism and Use of AI

All submissions must be original and free from plagiarism. The use of generative AI tools for drafting substantive portions of the manuscript is discouraged, and authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work.

Co-authorship

A maximum of two authors per submission is permitted.

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a blind peer review process.

Eligibility

The call for papers is open to individuals engaged in academic research, legal practice and public policy. Submissions are invited from:

• Academicians and faculty members
• Legal practitioners and policy professionals
• Research scholars and doctoral candidates
• Postgraduate and undergraduate students from recognised universities and institutions

Interdisciplinary contributions from fields such as law, economics, public policy, business, and technology are also encouraged, provided they engage with issues relating to consumer protection, market regulation, or consumer rights.

Important Dates

• Release of Call for Papers: 1^st April, 2026
• Last Date for Abstract Submission: 15^th April, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance of Abstract: 20^th April, 2026
• Submission of Full Chapter: 7^th May, 2026
• Communication of Review and Editorial Feedback: 15^th May, 2026

Note: The above-mentioned dates are tentative and may be subject to change at the discretion of the organising body.

Submission Procedure

Click Here to Submit.

Contact Information

For any related queries, reach out to [email protected]

The brochure is here.