AI, Environment, and Privacy: Join the MNLU Mumbai Blog Writing Competition
The Centre for Information Communication Technology and Law (CICTL) at Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) Mumbai, in collaboration with the Justice M. L. Pendse Chair in Environmental Law, has launched the National Blog Writing Competition 2025.
This competition invites students, researchers, policymakers, academicians, and legal practitioners to submit original, unpublished blogs exploring the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Environmental Law, and Data Privacy.
About MNLU Mumbai Blog Writing Competition
The Blog Competition aims to encourage analytical, policy-oriented, and research-based writing on the rapidly evolving relationship between:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Environmental governance
- Data protection and privacy
The initiative is part of CICTL’s effort to promote techno-legal scholarship in emerging domains and foster academic debate on India’s digital future.
About MNLU Mumbai
MNLU Mumbai, established under the Maharashtra National Law University Act, 2014, is a premier National Law University working toward academic excellence and research-driven legal education. The Chief Justice of India serves as its Chancellor, bringing strong leadership and vision to the institution.
About CICTL and the Justice M. L. Pendse Chair
CICTL is known for engaging with cutting-edge issues in technology law through symposiums, workshops, consultations, and policy research.
Justice M. L. Pendse Chair focuses on environmental law, policy studies, and collaborative research with national and international stakeholders.
Competition Themes & Sub-Themes
The competition revolves around two major themes:
Theme 1: AI & Environmental Praxis — Regulating India’s Green-Tech Future
Sample Sub-Themes:
- Environmental laws & AI’s energy consumption lifecycle
- Algorithmic liability for environmental harm
- AI enforcement in climate, forest & biodiversity governance
- AI-integrated EIA processes
- Need for “Green AI” regulation frameworks
Theme 2: Privacy in Praxis — India’s New Digital Privacy Regime
Sample Sub-Themes:
- Legality of data scraping for AI training
- Facial recognition & legitimate use exceptions
- Children’s consent under the DPDP Act
- Cross-border data transfers
- GDPR vs. DPDP comparison
📌 Note: Sub-themes are illustrative; participants may explore any topic within the broader theme.
Format & Submission Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Word Limit | 1500–2000 words (excluding endnotes) |
| File Format | MS Word (.doc/.docx) |
| Font | Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing |
| Headings | 14 pt, centered |
| Footnotes | 10 pt, single spacing |
| Citation | Hyperlinks preferred; otherwise OSCOLA 4th edition |
| Plagiarism Limit | Max 15% |
| AI Tool Usage | Strictly prohibited; leads to disqualification |
| Co-authorship | Max 2 authors |
| Manuscript | Fully anonymized |
Rules & Evaluation Criteria
Grounds for Rejection
- Formatting violations
- Plagiarism
- AI-generated content
- Off-theme submissions
- Privacy violations
Evaluation Parameters
- Originality
- Depth of research
- Clarity & coherence
- Relevance to theme
- Analytical quality
- Writing style
Prizes & Recognition
| Award | Prize |
|---|---|
| Winner | ₹7,000 + Certificate of Merit |
| First Runner-Up (Both Categories) | ₹5,000 + Certificate |
| Second Runner-Up (Both Categories) | ₹3,000 + Certificate |
| Internship Opportunity | Winners & first runners-up considered for internships with Royzz & Co. and Burger King India (subject to interview) |
| Publication | Winning blogs published on CICTL Blog |
| Social Media Feature | Winners featured on CICTL’s platforms |
Important Dates: AI privacy environment blog contest
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | 15 January 2026 |
| Submission Deadline | 20 January 2026 |
| Result Announcement | 7 March 2026 |
Flowchart: How to Participate
Choose Theme/Sub-theme
↓
Register Using Google Form
↓
Pay Registration Fee
↓
Write & Format Blog (1500–2000 words)
↓
Ensure Anonymity + No AI Usage
↓
Submit by 20 January 2026
↓
Evaluation by Editorial Board
↓
Results on 7 March 2026
Registration Fees & Links
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Author | ₹300 |
| Co-Authors (2 persons) | ₹500 |
- Registration Form: Apply Online
- 🔗 Payment Link: Payment Here
Contact Details: MNLU Mumbai environmental law competition
Faculty In-Charge: Ms. Aastha Tiwari
Centre Coordinator: Ms. Shweta Bhuyan
Convenor: Revant Sinha – +91 78270 76105
Associate Convenors:
- Om Dambhare – +91 93072 24566
- Ritesh Karale – +91 93593 07137
