ABOUT THE ORGANISER

The School of Law and Public Policy, Avantika University, through its Pro Bono Club, is committed to fostering legal awareness, constitutional literacy, and academic excellence. The School promotes critical thinking, research-oriented learning, and socially responsive legal education by organising academic competitions, workshops, and outreach programmes that engage students, professionals, and scholars with contemporary legal challenges.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION 

The 2nd Pan-India Essay Writing Competition, 2026 is an online national-level academic initiative aimed at encouraging analytical legal writing and constitutional discourse. Building upon the success of its first edition, the competition seeks to provide a common platform for diverse participants to critically engage with evolving constitutional issues and socio-legal realities in India.

ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE

The competition is open to participants from all parts of India, including but not limited to:

• School students
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Research scholars
• Academicians
• Legal professionals and practitioners
• Independent researchers and interested individuals

THEME

Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage in India: Constitutional Rights and Social Realities

1. Sub-themes (Illustrative)

Participants may choose to write on the main theme or any of the following indicative sub-themes:

• Constitutional morality and individual autonomy
• Right to equality and non-discrimination
• Comparative constitutional perspectives on same-sex marriage
• Judicial interpretation of family and marriage laws
• Social acceptance, cultural pluralism, and legal reform
• Role of the legislature versus judiciary in recognising marriage equality

(The above sub-themes are illustrative and not exhaustive.)

2. Who Can Submit

• Individual participants only
• Co-authorship is not permitted
• Each participant may submit only one original essay

3. How to Submit

Participants must submit their essays electronically via email after completing the registration process. Submissions should strictly comply with the prescribed guidelines and deadlines mentioned by the organisers.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Maximum word limit: 1500 words (excluding references and endnotes)
• The essay must be original and unpublished
• The participant’s name or institutional affiliation must not appear in the essay
• File name format:
  FirstName-LastName-Profession-District-docs
• Use of footnotes is prohibited; endnotes and references are permitted
• Any form of plagiarism or use of AI-generated content shall result in disqualification

FEE DETAILS

• Early Bird Registration Fee: ₹250/-
• Late Registration Fee: ₹300/-

The registration fee is non-refundable.

DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES

• Registration Opens: January 2026

• Early Bird Registration Deadline: 10th February 2026

• Late Registration Deadline: 20th February 2026

• Essay Submission Deadline: 20th February 2026

• Declaration of Results: 27th February 2026

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

• All submissions must adhere strictly to the rules and formatting guidelines
• Late submissions will not be entertained
• The decision of the judges shall be final and binding
• The organisers reserve the right to reject any submission that violates the rules
• Brochure Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J0P24560P7Pb3y4FL7wtslq5P_hhcs86/view?usp=sharing
• Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Zg0cxkKwRHWSyY-ux7elUblmR8wl2O74KNgG1kv9KjA/edit

PRIZES

• 1st Prize: ₹2,000/-
• 2nd Prize: ₹1,000/-
• Next Three Best Entries: ₹500/- each
• E-Certificates of Participation for all eligible participants

CONTACT DETAILS

For any queries or clarifications regarding the competition:

• Email: solpp@avantika.edu.in
• Contact Number: +91 88401 99916