Call for Papers | Justice V.K. Dixit Memorial National Conference & Paper Presentation by University of Lucknow: Submit by Apr 16

About the Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow

Established in 1921, the Faculty of Law at the University of Lucknow stands among the oldest and most distinguished institutions of legal education in India. The Faculty has been shaped by eminent jurists and academicians, including Prof. R.U. Singh, whose contributions significantly influenced the development of legal education in India. Renowned scholars such as Dr. V.N. Shukla, Dr. A.T. Markose, and Dr. Avatar Singh have further strengthened its intellectual legacy through their authoritative work in constitutional, company, contract law and other laws.

Its alumni network reflects a tradition of excellence, with distinguished figures including Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (Former President of India) and members of the higher judiciary such as Justice A.S. Anand (Former Chief Justice of India). The legacy continues today with alumni serving at the highest levels of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court and various High Courts. With a strong academic infrastructure and a commitment to justice-oriented legal education, the Faculty continues to nurture legal professionals who contribute meaningfully across litigation, academia, corporate practice, and public service.

About Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow

Established in 2023 under the aegis of the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) Programme of Department of Justice, Government of India, the Pro Bono Club at the Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, is a government-backed student-driven organisation, committed to strengthening access to justice and promoting the culture of pro bono legal services.

About the Conference

The Pro Bono Club, Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow, is organising the Justice V.K. Dixit Memorial National Conference & Paper Presentation on the theme “Reimagining Access to Justice: Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism & Pro Bono Legal Services” on 02 May 2026.

Historically, access to justice has been defined by physical proximity to courts and the availability of legal representation. However, in today’s dynamic legal landscape, justice must transcend geographical, procedural, and economic barriers, through both institutional and alternative mechanisms.

The contemporary discourse on access to justice is undergoing a transformative shift; at the core of this transformation lies the growing prominence of pro bono legal services, which serve as the moral foundation of the legal profession. Despite its deep-rooted presence in Indian legal tradition, pro bono work remains largely unstructured and sporadic. Equally significant is the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms which are no longer merely an “alternative.” ADR is increasingly being recognised as a primary and efficient pathway to dispute resolution. Nevertheless, critical questions remain regarding its inclusivity, accessibility, and effectiveness.

The Conference seeks to bring together members of the judiciary, academicians, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in meaningful deliberation, propose innovative solutions, and contribute towards building a more accessible, equitable, and responsive justice delivery system.

Eligibility Criteria

• Undergraduate and Postgraduate law students
• Research scholars and Doctoral Candidates in law and allied disciplines.
• Corporate professionals and Legal practitioners
• Academicians and Faculty Members

Indicative Sub-Themes

1. Impact and Institutional Framework of Pro Bono and Legal Aid

• Role of government initiatives such as DISHA, Nyaya Bandhu, and Tele-Law in promoting access to justice
• Institutional framework under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
• Effectiveness and implementation challenges of legal aid schemes
• Regulatory frameworks and incentives to promote pro bono engagement
• Barriers to accessing free legal aid and pathways for reform

2. Pro Bono Engagement within ADR Mechanisms

• Role of pro bono services in mediation, Lok Adalats, and arbitration
• Challenges in integrating pro bono work within ADR systems
• Institutionalising pro bono participation in dispute resolution
• Future prospects of pro bono lawyering in ADR

3. Technology, Digital Platforms, and Access to Justice

• Legal rights and access to justice in the era of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
• Enhancing legal aid through AI-enabled platforms
• Accessibility and inclusivity challenges in digital justice systems
• Regulatory and ethical concerns in technology-driven ADR
• Policy reforms for strengthening and monitoring digital legal aid systems

4. Engagement of the Legal Institutions in Advancing Pro Bono Culture

• Role of the Bar and Bench in Promoting Pro Bono Legal Services.
• Contribution of law universities and clinical legal education.
• Participation of Indian law firms in institutionalising pro bono work.
• Public-private partnerships in the delivery of legal aid services.
• Collaborative frameworks between legal institutions for strengthening access to justice.

5. Community-Centric and Grassroots Justice Mechanisms

• Community-based mediation and Panchayati dispute resolution
• ADR mechanisms for marginalised and vulnerable populations
• Legal recognition and regulation of informal dispute resolution systems
• Role of civil society and NGOs in strengthening grassroots justice delivery

6. Pro Bono Lawyering and Social Justice

• Legal aid for women, children, and socio-economically disadvantaged groups
• Access to justice for prisoners, undertrials, and victims of injustice
• Role of pro bono work in advancing human rights and public interest litigation
• Legal literacy and awareness as tools of empowerment

(Authors are free to explore any topic aligned with the main theme)

Submission Process and Guidelines

The submission process for the Conference is structured in the following stages:

• Step 1: Abstract Submission: All interested participants are required to submit their abstracts through the prescribed Google Form within the stipulated deadline.
• Step 2: Review & Acceptance: All abstracts will undergo a blind review process.The best 24 abstracts will be shortlisted for submission of the paper and presentation at the Conference.
• Step 3: Registration and Fee Payment: Authors of selected abstracts will receive an acceptance email along with a registration link. They are required to complete the registration process and pay the prescribed fee within the stipulated timeline to confirm their participation.
• Step 4: Final Paper Submission: Upon successful registration and fee payment, authors of selected abstracts will receive a separate email containing the paper submission link. Final papers must be submitted in accordance with the prescribed guidelines within the stipulated deadline. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Final Paper Submission Guidelines

• Word limit: 3000–3500 words (excluding footnotes)
• For more Final Paper Submission Guidelines, kindly refer to the attached Brochure.

Important Dates

• Last Date for Abstract Submission: 16 April 2026
• Communication of Acceptance: 18 April 2026
• Last Date of Registration for Paper Presentation: 20 April 2026
• Last Date for Registration (Conference Attendees): 25 April 2026
• Final Paper Submission: 27 April 2026
• Conference Date: 02 May 2026

Registration Fee

• Law Students (UG/PG): ₹750 (Single) / ₹1100 (Co-authored)
• Faculty of Law, University of Lucknow UG/PG Students: ₹550 (Single) / ₹900 (Co-authored)
• Research Scholars/Academicians/Practitioners: ₹1000 (Single) / ₹1500 (Co-authored)
• Attendees: ₹399

(Fee includes Conference Kit (entry pass, theme literature, bare acts), Morning Refreshment, Lunch and High Tea, and Certificate of Participation / Presentation)

Awards

• Best Paper / Best Presentation: ₹5,000 Cash Prize + Trophy + Certificate of Achievement.
• Runner-Up Paper / Runner-Up Presentation: ₹3,000 Cash Prize + Trophy + Certificate of Achievement.
• Certificates of Presentation to all author(s) present for the presentation round.
• Certificate of Participation to all registered attendees.
• Digital Book of Abstracts to all participants/attendees.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract length: 250–300 words
• Co-authorship (maximum 2 authors) is permitted
• Original and unpublished work only, which clearly states the research problem, methodology, and core arguments
• Plagiarism limit: 10%; AI-generated content not permitted

Click Here to Submit Abstract.

Participants desirous of attending the Conference without paper presentation may register through the prescribed form: Click Here.

Contact Details

Aditya Raj Soni (Student Coordinator, Pro Bono Club) [email protected]  ||  [email protected]

Mr. Bhavesh Kumar,  Email: [email protected] 

The brochure is here.