4th NLUO-CLS Essay Writing Competition 2026
The 4th NLUO-CLS Essay Writing Competition 2026 is being organised to encourage law students to engage with contemporary constitutional issues through critical research, legal analysis, and academic writing. The competition provides participants with an opportunity to examine important questions concerning constitutional rights, State restrictions, comparative constitutionalism, and the development of Indian constitutional jurisprudence.
The Call for Submissions was announced on July 30, 2026, while the last date for registration is August 28, 2026 and the manuscript submission deadline is September 18, 2026.
About National Law University Odisha
National Law University Odisha (NLUO), Cuttack was established under Act 4 of 2008 enacted by the Odisha State Legislature. The university focuses on excellence in legal education, teaching, research, knowledge dissemination, and professional development.
NLUO aims to prepare students for careers in areas including:
- Advocacy
- Judicial Services
- Legal Services
- Legal Research
- Academic and professional legal practice
The university also supports specialised research centres, student societies, and academic activities that encourage research and intellectual development.
About Constitutional Law Society
The Constitutional Law Society (CLS), NLUO was established in 2018 to promote research, discussion, and informed engagement with constitutional law and allied subjects.
Its activities include:
- Constitutional law research
- Public lectures and seminars
- Conferences and academic discussions
- Independent research projects
- Scholarly publications
- Collaboration with institutions and researchers
Essay Competition Themes
Participants can choose from two broad themes:
1. The Proportionality Test: Rights, Restriction, and Dissent in Constitutional India
This theme examines the relationship between individual liberty and State restrictions. Participants may critically analyse issues such as internet shutdowns, restrictions on public assemblies, freedom of speech, protest rights, and whether the proportionality doctrine effectively prevents excessive State action.
Indicative topics include:
- Bail under the UAPA and presumption of guilt
- Hate speech and freedom of expression
- Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Morality, decency, and freedom of speech
- Right to protest and constitutional morality
2. Borrowed Constitutions: Transplant, Translation, and Transformation in Comparative Constitutionalism
This theme explores constitutional borrowing and the adaptation of foreign constitutional ideas within different legal, social, and political environments.
Possible areas include:
- Judicial borrowing and foreign precedents
- Comparative approaches to federalism
- Constitutional amendment procedures
- American First Amendment jurisprudence in India
- Origins and development of the Directive Principles of State Policy
Eligibility
The competition is open to students pursuing:
- Five-Year or Three-Year LL.B. programmes
- One-Year or Two-Year LL.M. programmes
- Other undergraduate or postgraduate law degrees from recognised universities
Important Dates
- Call for Submissions: July 30, 2026
- Last Date for Registration: August 28, 2026
- Last Date for Submission: September 18, 2026
- Declaration of Results: October 18, 2026
Registration Fee
Non-NLUO Participants
- Single Authorship: ₹300
- Co-Authorship: ₹500
NLUO Participants
- Single Authorship: ₹250
- Co-Authorship: ₹400
Participants are required to complete registration after making the applicable payment and submit their manuscript through the designated submission process.
Prizes and Publication
The competition offers cash prizes for the leading entries:
- Winner: ₹7,500
- Runner-Up: ₹5,000
- Second Runner-Up: ₹2,500
The top three entries will also be considered for publication on the NLUO-CLS Blog. All participants will receive certificates of participation.
Why Law Students Should Participate
The competition can help participants develop:
- Constitutional law research skills
- Legal writing and argumentation
- Critical thinking
- Comparative legal analysis
- Academic research experience
- Opportunities for legal publication
Contact Information
For queries regarding the competition, participants may contact the Constitutional Law Society, NLUO at:
Email: editorial.cls@nluo.ac.in
Phone: +91 85828 02714
Participants should refer to the official competition brochure for detailed rules, formatting requirements, submission guidelines, and other conditions before submitting their essays.
About Institution
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack is a leading legal education institution established by the Odisha State Legislature with a focus on legal education, research, professional training, and academic excellence. Through its academic centres and student-led societies such as the Constitutional Law Society, NLUO provides opportunities for students to participate in research, discussions, conferences, competitions, and other scholarly activities.
Links
- Brochure : 4th-Essay-Writing-Competition-Brochure.pdf
- After payment, you are requested to register your participation here.
- For submitting your manuscript, after successful registration, please visit here.
