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CCADR Journal for Alternate Dispute Resolution Opens Call for Papers with October 15 Deadline
The at , Patna, has announced a call for abstracts for the inaugural volume of its CCADR Journal for Alternate Dispute Resolution . Submissions are open until , offering legal professionals, academics, and students a platform to contribute to the evolving discourse on , , and related fields.
This new journal aims to fill a critical gap in ADR scholarship by providing a rigorous,
outlet for original research. With the theme
"Navigating the Expanding Role of
and
in Dispute Resolution,"
the publication seeks to address contemporary challenges and innovations in
mechanisms.
Background: CNLU and the CCADR Initiative
Chanakya National Law University, established under the , has rapidly grown into a centre of legal excellence in Bihar. Its infrastructure and curriculum are designed to foster practical skills alongside academic rigour, with a strong emphasis on mooting, debating, and ADR competitions. The university has attracted retired and judges, senior advocates, and eminent educationists to contribute to its teaching and research programmes.
The CCADR, established in , serves as a hub for interdisciplinary study of conflict resolution. It focuses on both domestic frameworks like the , and international standards such as the Model Law. Over the years, the centre has launched several flagship initiatives, including the CNLU National Competition, the National Client Counselling Competition, the bimonthly newsletter Samvaad , and the ADR blog Untangled . The new journal represents the latest addition to its portfolio, signalling an ambition to lead academic discourse in the field.
Thematic Focus: and in a Changing World
The journal's theme—
"Navigating the Expanding Role of
and
in Dispute Resolution"
—reflects the rapid growth of ADR in both domestic and international contexts. Submissions are invited on a range of sub-themes, including
,
,
, policy and regulatory developments in
, and the impact of technology, AI, and
. The organisers have noted that the sub-themes are indicative and non-exhaustive, encouraging contributions on any emerging issue within the broader scope of ADR.
This thematic breadth is timely. As
and
become increasingly preferred methods for resolving complex commercial disputes, courts and legislatures worldwide are grappling with questions of
,
, and the role of technology. The journal aims to provide a scholarly platform for critical analysis of these developments. As stated in the call,
"The Journal aims to provide a scholarly platform for research, analysis, and critical discourse on contemporary developments in
."
Submission Guidelines and Categories
The journal invites submissions under three categories: Long Articles (6,000–8,000 words), Short Articles (3,000–6,000 words), and Case Comments or Book Reviews (1,500–2,000 words, exclusive of footnotes). All manuscripts must include an abstract of 250–500 words in italics and five keywords. The language of the manuscript is English, and formatting must adhere to specific guidelines: Times New Roman font, size 12 for body text, size 10 for footnotes, with 2.54 cm margins on A4 pages. Citations must conform to the .
Eligibility is open to students, academicians, practitioners, researchers, and legal professionals. Co-authorship is limited to two authors per submission. The process begins with abstract submission by ; accepted abstracts will be notified by , and full manuscripts are due by . The journal is tentatively scheduled for publication in .
The CCADR follows a rigorous three-tiered editorial review process: a preliminary check for compliance, a assessing originality and quality, and a by subject-matter experts. The (excluding citations), and . Manuscripts exceeding these thresholds are subject to editorial discretion. The journal reserves the right to refer manuscripts to a when needed.
Significance for the Legal Community
The launch of this journal is a significant development for ADR scholarship in India. While several law journals cover and , a dedicated publication from a national law university with a strong ADR centre fills a specific need. The CCADR's existing collaborations with leading law firms such as , , , and international ADR organisations like and lend credibility to the venture and suggest a potential for high-quality contributions.
For legal professionals, the journal offers a venue to publish practice-oriented research that can influence policy and judicial reasoning. The inclusion of case comments and book reviews makes it accessible to practitioners who may not have the time to write full-length articles but have valuable insights to share. Moreover, the emphasis on contemporary issues like AI and aligns with the direction of modern legal practice, where technology is reshaping how disputes are managed.
Impact on ADR Education and Practice
By promoting rigorous academic engagement with ADR, the journal can help standardise best practices and encourage critical thinking about existing frameworks. The double-blind peer review process ensures that only high-quality work is published, which in turn raises the bar for legal scholarship in the field. For students, the opportunity to publish in a journal early in their careers is invaluable, and the CCADR's track record of organising competitions and workshops suggests a supportive environment for emerging scholars.
The call for papers also underscores the growing recognition of ADR as a distinct academic discipline within Indian law schools. As the and Conciliation Act undergoes amendments and Indian courts continue to adopt stances, the need for rigorous academic analysis becomes more acute. The CCADR Journal for Alternate Dispute Resolution is positioned to become a key resource for judges, arbitrators, mediators, and legislators seeking evidence-based insights.
Conclusion
With a clear theme, comprehensive guidelines, and a robust review process, the inaugural volume of the CCADR Journal promises to make a meaningful contribution to the field of . The October 15 deadline for abstracts provides a tight but manageable window for interested authors. For queries, the editorial team—including Convenor Ankita Kumari, Editor-in-Chief Priyanshu Lucky, and others—can be reached at editorial.ccadr@cnlu.ac.in. The submission link is available through the CCADR's official platform. Legal professionals and scholars with a passion for ADR should seize this opportunity to shape the conversation from the very first volume.
