About Essay Writing Competition on BNSS 2023
The Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights (CCJHR) at National Law University Odisha (NLUO) has announced 2025-2026 the 1st CCJHR National Essay Writing Competition on the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This national-level writing event aims to promote academic research and encourage law students to critically analyse the transformative changes introduced under the BNSS.
This SEO-friendly guide covers the theme, sub-themes, eligibility, registration process, submission guidelines, deadlines, prizes, and more.
About CCJHR, National Law University Odisha
The Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights (CCJHR), NLUO, is a leading academic body dedicated to research and policy engagement in criminal law and human rights. The Centre promotes dialogue and capacity-building in areas like criminal justice reform, procedural law, and human rights protection. Through student-led initiatives and academic collaborations, CCJHR aims to contribute to emerging debates on India’s legal transformation.
Overview of the 1st CCJHR National Essay Writing Competition
The competition focuses on evaluating the impact of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaces the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973. Participants are encouraged to analyse the procedural, technological, and structural shifts introduced under the new legislation.
The competition is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate law students across India.
Theme of the Competition
“The Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Reimagining Criminal Justice in Contemporary India”
This theme encourages students to explore how BNSS reshapes criminal procedure in modern India, considering factors like digital evidence, citizen rights, policing powers, and judicial efficiency.
Indicative Sub-Themes
Participants may write on any relevant topic under the main theme, including:
- BNSS vs. CrPC – Continuity or Change?
- Speedy Trials under BNSS – Aspiration vs. Reality
- Presumption of Innocence in the Age of Media Trials
- Powers of the Police under BNSS
- Victim Empowerment Provisions in BNSS
- Technology in Criminal Justice: e-FIRs, Digital Evidence & Online Procedures
These sub-themes allow students to address contemporary issues linked to criminal procedure and human rights.
Submission Guidelines
To ensure uniformity and academic rigour, participants must follow these formatting rules:
Manuscript Requirements
- No personal identification (name, institution) in the manuscript
- Co-authorship allowed for up to two authors
- Mandatory use of the official cover page (provided after registration)
- Word Limit: 1000–1500 words (excluding footnotes, index, bibliography)
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font Size: 12 (body & headings), 10 (footnotes)
- Spacing: 1.5 (body), 1.0 (footnotes)
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- Citation Style: OSCOLA
- Speaking Footnotes: Allowed up to 50 words each
- Plagiarism Limit: Maximum 10%, as per UGC norms
- *AI-generated content is strictly prohibited
Registration Process
Participants must complete the registration through the official Google Form: https://forms.gle/UCF3NAygqCFb6Vd9A
Registration Fee
The fee must be paid via ICICI Collect (refer to payment guidelines shared by the organizers).
Team Code
After successful registration, participants will receive a Team Code, which must be used in the final submission.
Important Dates
- Last Date for Registration: December 21, 2025
- Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025
Prize Pool
The competition offers attractive cash prizes:
- 1st Prize: ₹8,000
- 2nd Prize: ₹5,000
- 3rd Prize: ₹3,000
Winners will also gain national recognition through CCJHR’s academic platforms.
Contact Information
For queries or clarifications, participants may reach out at:
- Email: ccjhr@nluo.ac.in
- Phone: +91 98453 53404 / +91 72177 56565
