The Centre for Studies in International Trade and International Investment Laws (CITIL), Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, with its Knowledge Partner Manupatra, India’s premier legal research and information platform, is organizing the CITIL Article Writing Competition, 2025 on the theme “Dispute Resolution in International Investment Law: Innovations and Reforms.”
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About DNLU
Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur (M.P.), established in 2018 under the Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act, 24 of 2018, aims to promote excellence in legal education and research. Guided by its motto, “Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara” (Speak the truth and follow Dharma), the University is committed to fostering integrity, justice, and ethical values. DNLU provides value-based legal education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, preparing students to excel as competent professionals and contribute meaningfully to the legal fraternity and society.
About Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL)
The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL) at Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, is a prominent academic and research body committed to advancing scholarship and policy engagement in the field of International Trade and Investment Law. Through its wide range of initiatives, the Centre actively promotes academic dialogue, legal research, and capacity building by collaborating with national and international institutions, conducting impactful studies, and organizing specialized training programmes. CITIL has significantly contributed to the development of legal scholarship through its research work, publications, and policy insights that have shaped contemporary legal practice and governance.
About the Competition
The CITIL Article Writing Competition, 2025 invites submissions on the theme:
“Dispute Resolution in International Investment Law: Innovations and Reforms.”
The competition aims to encourage critical scholarship and innovative thinking among law students and young researchers, focusing on the evolving landscape of investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS). With global discussions on ISDS reforms, particularly under UNCITRAL Working Group III, the competition provides an avenue for participants to explore alternative mechanisms, transparency, and fairness in investment arbitration.
Indicative Sub-Themes:
- Reforming ISDS: Comparative Legal and Institutional Innovations
- UNCITRAL Working Group III: Trends, Challenges, and State Practice
- India’s Model BIT in Transition: Substantive Provisions and Investor Protections
- Regional Approaches to Investment Dispute Resolution
- Balancing Regulatory Autonomy with Investor Rights
- Role of Appellate Mechanisms and Advisory Centres in ISDS Reform
- The Impact of Technology on Investment Dispute Resolution
(The sub-themes are suggestive; participants may write on any topic within the main theme.)
Eligibility
- Undergraduate Law Students: Enrolled in a 3-year or 5-year LL.B. programme.
- Postgraduate Law Students: Enrolled in LL.M. or equivalent postgraduate law programmes.
Submission Guidelines
- Word Limit: 2,000–3,500 words (excluding footnotes)
- Citation Style: Harvard Bluebook (21st Edition) or Manu Citation
- Co-Authorship: Permitted (up to two authors)
- Plagiarism: Papers exceeding 15% similarity will be disqualified
- Use of AI tools: Strictly prohibited.
The entries must adhere to Manupatra’s submission guidelines. (Attached in the Drive link given below along with the brochure)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRGpbw2NYHMYinq04gFBaDBHZizG3HQn?usp=drive_link
Important dates
- Registration Opens: October 18, 2025
- Last Date of Registration: November 30, 2025
- Last Date for Submission: December 22, 2025
- Declaration of Results: Last week of January 2026 (Tentative)
Awards and Publication Opportunities
- 1st Prize: Complimentary access to one Manupatra Academy course of the winner’s choice
- 2nd Prize: 75% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
- 3rd Prize: 50% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
- All Participants: 15% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
The Top 10 articles will be published on the Manupatra Article Section, offering visibility to a national academic and professional audience.
Registration Details
- Single Author Submission: ₹250 per article
- Co-Authored Submission: ₹400 per article (maximum two authors)
- Mode of Payment: Non-refundable; payable at registration
Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYgopClajie9I_rRF-yGANDavi7irBeo3gr1Iz-LWddOT60Q/viewform
Payment Link: https://erp.mpdnlu.ac.in/events/eventdetails.php?slug=4745d00cffa9ee4
Contact Details
Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra
Director, CITIL & Assistant Professor, DNLU, Jabalpur
[email protected]
Dr. Sheel Bhadra Yadav
Assistant Librarian, DNLU, Jabalpur
[email protected]
Mr. Suryansh Pandey
Convenor, CITIL
[email protected] | +91 6260995890
Ms. Aditi Mishra
Co-Convenor, CITIL
[email protected] | +91 7999056841
In case of any query, drop an email to us at [email protected] or contact the above.
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