About the Organisation
The National Law School of India Review (NLSIR) is the flagship student-edited, bi-annual, double-anonymous peer-reviewed law journal of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.
It is one of India’s oldest and most respected student-edited law journals, known for rigorous doctrinal analysis and normative inquiry. The journal has been cited by the Supreme Court of India in landmark cases and features contributions from eminent scholars and practitioners.
About the Opportunity
NLSIR announces the institution of the Chief Justice E.S. Venkataramiah Memorial Best Essay Prize, an annual national essay competition open to undergraduate law students across India.
Instituted with the support of the family of late Justice E.S. Venkataramiah, this prize aims to honour his legacy of commitment to legal scholarship and intellectual rigour.
Theme
Does the Constitution Choose an Economic Model? Directive Principles and the Question of Ideological Neutrality
The inaugural edition’s theme invites reflection on the constitutional neutrality or ideological commitments inherent in Directive Principles, inspired by the Supreme Court judgment in Property Owners’ Association v. State of Maharashtra (2024).
Essays should engage with constitutional theory, comparative perspectives, and political and economic theory regarding the Constitution’s embedding or rejection of economic visions.
Eligibility
Open to all undergraduate law students enrolled in five-year or three-year law programmes at any Bar Council of India recognised law school in India.
Submission Guidelines
- Original, unpublished, single-authored essays in English.
- Essay length: 8,000 to 10,000 words (inclusive of footnotes).
- Formatted in Times New Roman, size 12 font, 1.5 line spacing on A4 sheets.
- References must use the OSCOLA citation guide.
- No abstracts or proposals required; only full manuscripts accepted.
- Each essay must clear anti-plagiarism checks.
- Must include a bonafide certificate signed by the Registrar/Vice-Chancellor or appropriate authority confirming enrollment as an undergraduate law student.
- Comply with the NLSIR Style Guide and other policies notified on the NLSIR Repository.
- No registration fee required; no prior registration necessary.
Prize
- Cash prize of ₹25,000.
- Winner’s name featured on a citation plaque.
- Winning essay published in the National Law School of India Review.
Important Dates
- Essay competition period: July to September annually.
- Submissions accepted from September 1, 2026 onwards via the NLSIR submission portal (the link is given at the end of the post).
- Submission deadline: October 10, 2026.
How to Submit?
Submit your essay through the official submission form on the NLSIR website, available starting September 1, 2026.
Contact Details
For queries, email: nlsir.communications@nls.ac.in
Click here to submit!
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