National Conference | Freedom of Speech & Expression | St. Joseph’s College of Law | Submit by 15th March 2026

National Conference | Freedom of Speech & Expression | St. Joseph’s College of Law | Submit by 15th March 2026

About the Institution:

St. Joseph’s College of Law (SJCL), affiliated with Karnataka State Law University, Hubbali and recognized by the Bar Council of India, New Delhi, was established in 2017–18. As the first Jesuit law college in South Asia, SJCL is dedicated to advancing legal education rooted in justice, fairness, and social responsibility.

About the Conference:

SJCL is organizing a National Conference on Freedom of Speech and Expression, 2026, offering a platform for students, researchers, academicians, and legal professionals to present original papers. The event seeks to foster research‑driven dialogue on constitutional rights, digital speech, public order, and the responsibilities that accompany free expression.

Participants will present before an expert panel comprising academicians, practitioners, and subject‑matter specialists, ensuring rigorous academic engagement.

Conference Theme:

“Balancing Liberty, Dissent & Public Order in Contemporary India”

The central theme explores constitutional foundations, judicial developments, and modern challenges such as:

• Algorithmic influence on speech
• Hate speech and regulation
• Social media moderation and digital surveillance

Suggested Sub‑Themes:

• Constitutional philosophy of Article 19(1)(a)
• Hate speech vs. freedom of expression
• Freedom of press, academic freedom & artistic expression
• Misinformation, censorship & surveillance in the digital age
• Free speech under new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSS)
• Online anonymity, privacy & state regulation
• Comparative constitutional perspectives: India & other democracies
• Dissent, protests & shrinking civic space
• Role of AI, platforms & algorithmic moderation in shaping speech
  (Participants may also propose related topics within the broad theme.)

Call for Papers:

Original contributions are invited from:

• Academicians & Jurists
• Legal Practitioners (lawyers, judges, advocates)
• Students & Research Scholars
• Social Scientists & Activists
• NGOs & Policy Professionals

All submissions will undergo blind peer review and plagiarism check (≤10% similarity as per UGC norms).

Presentation Modes:

• In‑Person: Mandatory for participants based in Bengaluru.
• Hybrid Option: Available for participants outside Bengaluru.

Submission Guidelines:

• Format: .doc or .docx (English language only).
• Cover Letter: Author(s) details, designation, institution, title, and contact information.
• Abstract: Max 250 words with 5 keywords.
• Paper Length: 2500–3000 words.
• Formatting:
  • Times New Roman, size 12 (main text), 14 (subheadings), 16 (headings), 10 (footnotes).
  • Line spacing: 1.5 (main text), 1.0 (footnotes).
  • Referencing: Harvard Bluebook, 20th Edition.
• File Naming: Manuscript_AuthorName
• Submission Email: research@sjcl.edu.in
• Subject Line: Submission – Conference on Freedom of Speech and Expression 2026
• Co‑Authorship: Maximum of two authors; both must register individually.

Registration fee is payable only after acceptance of the paper. Early payments without acceptance will not be refunded.

Important Dates:

• Full Paper with Abstract Submission: 15 March 2026
• Notification of Selection: 5 April 2026
• Registration & Fee Payment Deadline: 15 April 2026
• Conference Date: 24 April 2026

Certificates & Awards:

• Best Paper Awards: Cash prizes for outstanding contributions.
• Certificates: Participation and presentation certificates for all.
• Publication: Selected papers will be reviewed and published post‑conference.

Registration Fees:

• External Participants:
  • Paper Presenters – ₹500 (co‑author exempted)
  • Attendees – ₹500 per person
• SJCL Students:
  • Paper Presenters – ₹100 (co‑author exempted)

(Registration link will be shared only after acceptance of papers.)

Contact Details:

📧 Email: research@sjcl.edu.in

For More Information:

Disclaimer:

Any content on this website (i.e www.lawof.in)is solely for information purpose. It does not constitute formal recommendation or any professional advice.  Due care has been taken in posting information, the existence of omissions herein is not ruled out. Neither the author nor lawof.in accepts any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of any inaccurate or incomplete information on this website nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. No part of posts on this website should be distributed or copied (except for non-commercial use, personal) without express written permission of lawof.in if there is any question or query then please mail on lawof.in@gmail.com

#SJCLConference2026 #FreedomOfSpeech #LawConferenceIndia #ConstitutionalLaw #DigitalRights #LegalResearch #AcademicConference #SpeechAndExpression