Conclave | NYAYATECH 2026 – A Digital Justice Conclave | The Legal Aid Cell | DNLU Jabalpur | 10th–11th October 2026
Conclave | NYAYATECH 2026 – A Digital Justice Conclave | The Legal Aid Cell | DNLU Jabalpur | 10th–11th October 2026
NYAYATECH CONCLAVE
About the university
About DNLU: Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur (M.P.), India is one of the leading and premier law institutes imparting legal education and research. The University was established in the year 2018 by Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act 24 of 2018, with the object of advancing the cause of legal education and achieving excellence as a university for imparting value-based legal education. The university emphasizes advocacy skills with professional ethics by providing suitable simulation exercises. The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court is the Chancellor of the University. Motto: “सत्यम् वद । धर्म चर ।” (“Speak the truth and practice conduct in accordance with dharma”).
About Vidhimitra- The Legal Aid Cell: Vidhimitra is the Legal Aid Cell of Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, established in 2018 to make the legal system and justice more accessible to the public and raise awareness about contemporary legal issues and citizens’ rights. It provides free legal advice, facilitates connections with lawyers, and engages in outreach, especially in rural areas, to empower marginalized communities with legal knowledge and support. Through awareness drives, counselling, and community engagement, Vidhimitra fosters legal literacy and inclusive access to justice.
Our Collaborator – Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA): The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 has been enacted to achieve the objectives of equal justice and free legal aid as enshrined in Article 39-A of the Constitution of India. Under the said Act, 1987 Legal Services Authorities provide Free & Competent Legal Services to the weaker section of society to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities and organize Lok-Adalats to secure the operation of legal system and promote Mediation and other activities. The Court based Legal Services are also provided which include activities such as representation before Court, Legal Aid and Advice and drafting of legal documents etc. Section-12 of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provides certain categories of people who are eligible to get free legal aid & assistance. In that pursuant Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority has been constituted.
About the Conclave
- About NyayaTech: NyayaTech is the blend of two ideas: Nyaya (Justice) and Technology. NyayaTech represents the evolving vision of justice in a world where courts, lawyers, and citizens increasingly rely on digital systems to resolve disputes and access legal support. A digital justice system is not just about speed but also about access, inclusion, and fairness. With this conclave, NyayaTech seeks to bridge the gap between law and technology, ensuring that innovation truly reaches those who need justice the most. NyayaTech provides a platform to explore how technology can transform legal aid, public interest litigation, dispute resolution, and community access to legal services.
Types of activities
- Paper Presentation Competition
- THEME: “Building an Inclusive Digital Justice System for New India”
- SUGGESTED SUB-THEMES (Indicative – participants may choose any related topic):
- Role of e-courts in improving access to justice
- Digital divide and exclusion in justice delivery
- Online Dispute Resolution (ODR): opportunities & risks
- Cyber law, privacy, and data protection in judicial systems
- AI in courts: ethics, accuracy, and accountability
- Technology-driven legal aid and community outreach
- Public interest litigation in the digital age
- Legal tech start-ups and innovations for justice delivery
- (Participants may propose their own topic if aligned with the main theme.)
- COMPETITION FORMAT:
- Preliminary Round: Submission of full research paper (2500-3000 words)
- Final Round: 10-minute presentation + 5-minute Q&A with evaluators
- SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
- Word limit: 2500-3500 words
- Mandatory Policy Recommendation section (300-400 words) at the end of every paper, containing 2-3 specific, actionable recommendations
- Font: Times New Roman, 12, line spacing 1.5
- Title: Times New Roman, Font Size 12, in CAPITALS, Bold, aligned CENTRE
- Footnotes: Times New Roman, 10, single-spaced
- Citation style: Bluebook (latest edition)
- File formats: .doc/.docx and .pdf
- Plagiarism above 10% will lead to disqualification
- AI above 10% will lead to disqualification
- Papers must be original and unpublished
- Co-authorship: maximum two authors per paper
- PRESENTATION GUIDELINES: Maximum 15 minutes presentation, Followed by 5 minutes Q&A
- EVALUATION CRITERIA: Research Depth, Originality, Analysis & Critical Thinking, Presentation Quality, Relevance to Theme, Citations & Methodology
- REWARDS: WINNER: ₹20,000 + Certificate of Merit;
RUNNER-UP: ₹10,000 + Certificate of Merit.
Selected papers from the competition will be compiled and published in a book volume bearing an ISBN, as part of the Legal Aid Cell’s flagship edition of Legal Aid Review NYAYA: A Legal Aid Review, Volume I – Digital Justice and Inclusion.
- App Development Competition
- THEME: “Technology for Accessible Legal Aid and Digital Justice”
- SUGGESTED CONCEPT DIRECTIONS (Participants may choose any related idea):
- Mobile legal aid helpdesks for rural citizens
- Chat-based legal guidance tools
- Platforms connecting lawyers with beneficiaries
- E-complaint and grievance tracking tools
- Apps supporting Online Dispute Resolution
- Digital portals for awareness on legal rights
- Accessibility tools (language-friendly / voice-supported interfaces)
- Community-support portals for marginalized groups
- (Participants may propose innovative topics aligned with the broader justice-technology framework.)
- COMPETITION FORMAT:
- Preliminary Round: Concept note, Wireframes / mock-ups
- Final Round (At Conclave): 15-minute live demonstration, 10-minute Q&A with panel (Functionality, usability, and social impact take center stage)
- TECHNICAL & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
- Teams may use any programming framework or low-code tools or AI
- Prototype or working demo mandatory (no purely theoretical entries)
- Include user journey explanation
- Clearly define: legal purpose, expected benefits
- Submit in Drive link with: Concept Note (PDF), Screens / mockups / prototype link, Short usage manual
- Original work only – plagiarism or prebuilt templates without modification will be disqualified
- PRESENTATION GUIDELINES: Explain the problem statement clearly, Demonstrate how the user interacts with the app, Highlight inclusivity and accessibility, Keep slides simple – focus on demo
- EVALUATION CRITERIA: Innovation, User Interface / Experience, Technical Feasibility, Impact on Legal Aid Delivery, Scalability, Presentation & Demo
- REWARDS: WINNER: ₹1,00,000 + Certificate of Merit; RUNNER-UP: ₹50,000 + Certificate of Merit
- Socio-Legal Challenge
- DESCRIPTION: The Socio-Legal Challenge requires teams to identify a real socio-legal problem within a 250 km radius of their institution and design a practical, structured intervention plan to address it – with a strong emphasis on digital tools and accessible justice. The submission must be based on the empirical research done by the team.
- TEAMS WILL:
- Identify a socio-legal problem in their region (within 250 km)
- Study the affected community and stakeholders
- Analyse the legal framework and barriers to justice
- Propose a feasible intervention plan, highlighting how technology or digital tools can improve outreach, awareness, and resolution
- Design an implementation roadmap that legal aid clinics or institutions could realistically adopt
- COMPETITION FORMAT:
- Preliminary Round: Concept Note highlighting the problem. On selection of the Concept Note, a detailed report is to be submitted.
- A detailed report should include: Background of the issue, Problem statement and relevance, Data collected and its interpretation, Community/Stakeholder analysis, Existing legal remedies and challenges, Proposed intervention (with digital components).
- Final Round – Presentation: 15-minute structured presentation, 5-minute Q&A with the judges.
- SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
- Word limit: 3000-4000 words
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 | Spacing 1.5
- Citation style: Bluebook (21st edition)
- Figures, tables, and field photos may be included
- Work must be original and field-informed
- EVALUATION CRITERIA: Problem Identification, Depth of Analysis, Research Quality, Legal Framework Understanding, Innovation in Solution, Execution & Implementation Plan, Role of Legal Aid Clinics
- REWARDS: WINNER: ₹20,000 + Certificate of Merit; RUNNER-UP: ₹10,000 + Certificate of Merit
- PIL Drafting Competition
- COMPETITION FORMAT:
- Single Round PIL Draft Submission Only
- Participants submit a complete PIL in proper court format, including all annexures and prayers
- DRAFTING GUIDELINES:
- Follow Supreme Court / High Court PIL format
- Language: English
- Font: Times New Roman 12 | Line spacing 1.5
- Footnotes: 10 pt, single-spaced
- File formats: .doc/.docx + .pdf
- Max length (excluding annexures): 12-15 pages
- Attach relevant laws, notifications, or credible reports as annexures
- Maintain anonymity – no names or institutional identifiers in the draft
- Plagiarism will result in disqualification
- WHAT JUDGES WILL ASSESS: Legal Research, Drafting Quality & Clarity, Understanding of PIL Jurisprudence, Public Interest Element, Structure of Reliefs & Prayers, Practicality & Constitutional Soundness
- REWARDS: WINNER: ₹20,000 + Certificate of Merit; RUNNER-UP: ₹10,000 + Certificate of Merit
- Lok Adalat Simulation
- STRUCTURE OF THE COMPETITION:
- Teams will be assigned roles: Each team consists of three members: One Neutral Panel Member, One Counsel, One Client
- Each case session lasts 45 minutes total
- The competition includes:
- Preliminary Rounds – A written conciliation plan to be submitted and on selection of which the shortlisted team would be invited on the campus for the final rounds
- Final Round – The shortlisted teams would be invited to the campus for the competition. Each round will involve one client-counsel pair from each side and a panel member of another team
- GUIDELINES:
- Language: English
- Emphasis on conciliation, not adversarial arguing
- Maintain professional courtroom decorum
- Teams may carry: general notes, confidential case materials, calculators, watches/timers
- No phones, laptops, or tablets allowed during rounds
- Tech-enabled dispute resolution ideas are encouraged
- EVALUATION CRITERIA: Understanding of ADR principles, Negotiation skills, Communication & Listening, Problem-solving approach, Knowledge of Lok Adalat procedures, Professionalism & teamwork, Tech-enabled dispute resolution ideas
- REWARDS: WINNER: ₹30,000 + Certificate of Merit; RUNNER-UP: ₹20,000 + Certificate of Merit
- Knowledge & Dialogue Programmes
- Round Table Conference
- Panel Discussion by Experts
Eligibility
- Paper Presentation Competition: Academicians/Advocates, Research Scholars, and Students (Single authorship or Co-authorship of maximum two authors per paper).
- App Development Competition: Single person, Two members, or Three members.
- Socio-Legal Challenge: Two members per team are allowed to present the research. The team would consist of two senior researchers and ten junior researchers maximum.
- PIL Drafting Competition: Individual or co-author teams (max 2 members).
- Lok Adalat Simulation: Each team consists of exactly three members.
Location
- BRBRAITT Campus, Ridge Road, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur (MP) 482001.
Registration details (Note: If selected for the competition then the preliminary fees would be deductible from the final round registration fees).
- Paper Presentation Registration Fee:
- Rs. 1000 (preliminary round registration fees)
- Academicians/Advocates (Single authorship): INR 2500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 3500/- (With Accommodation)
- Academicians/Advocates (Co-authorship): INR 4500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 6500/- (With Accommodation)
- Research Scholars (Single authorship): INR 2000/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 3000/- (With Accommodation)
- Research Scholars (Co-authorship): INR 3500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 5500/- (With Accommodation)
- Students (Single authorship): INR 1500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 2500/- (With Accommodation)
- Students (Co-authorship): INR 2500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 4500/- (With Accommodation)
- App Development Competition Registration Fee:
- Rs. 3000 (preliminary round registration fees)
- Single person: INR 5000/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 6000/- (With Accommodation)
- Two members: INR 9000/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 11000/- (With Accommodation)
- Three members: INR 14000/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 17000/- (With Accommodation)
- Socio-Legal Challenge Registration Fee:
- Rs. 1500 (preliminary round registration fees)
- Single person: INR 2500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 3500/- (With Accommodation)
- Two members: INR 3500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 5500/- (With Accommodation)
- PIL Drafting Competition Registration Fee:
- Rs. 1000 (preliminary round registration fees)
- Single person: INR 3000/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 4000/- (With Accommodation)
- Two members: INR 5500/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 7500/- (With Accommodation)
- Lok Adalat Simulation Registration Fee:
- Rs. 1500 (preliminary round registration fees)
- Three members: INR 6000/- (Without Accommodation) | INR 9000/- (With Accommodation)
Registration Links
- Link for Preliminary Registrations:
- Link for Preliminary Submissions:
- Link for Preliminary Payment:
Important dates & deadlines
- Conclave Dates: 10th-11th October, 2026
- Paper Presentation Timeline:
- Registration & Abstract Submission Opens: 9th September, 2026
- Last Date for Abstract Submission: 14th September, 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: 16th September, 2026
- Full Paper submission: 30th September, 2026
- Presentations: 10th and 11th October, 2026
- App Development Timeline:
- Registration & Abstract Submission Opens: 9th September, 2026
- Last Date for for App Concept Submission: 13th September, 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: 14th September, 2026
- Last Date for Submission: 30th September, 2026
- Live Demonstration: 10th and 11th October, 2026
- Socio-Legal Challenge Timeline:
- Registration & Submission Window Opens: 9th September, 2026
- Last Date for Preliminary Submission of Concept Note: 13th September, 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: 15th September, 2026
- Last Date for Submission: 02nd October, 2026
- Live Demonstration: 10th and 11th October, 2026
- PIL Drafting Competition Timeline:
- Registration and Submission Window Opens: 9th September, 2026
- Last Date for Submission: 25th September, 2026
- Lok Adalat Simulation Timeline:
- Registration & Submission Window Opens: 09th September, 2026
- Last Date for Settlement Draft Submission: 25th September, 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: 27th September, 2026
- Final Rounds: 10th and 11th October, 2026
Contact info
- Student Convenors:
- Ms. Isha Mehrotra (Convenor): +91 89570 32093
- Ms. Alfishan Nayab (Co-Convenor): +91 87709 41031
- Email: legalaid@mpdnlu.ac.in
Official Link
For More Details
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