The Centre for Law and Economics at Chanakya National Law University, Patna, has officially launched the 1st AXIOM5-CLE National Article Writing Competition for 2026. This initiative, organized in collaboration with prominent law firm Chandhiok & Mahajan Advocates and Solicitors and title partner Axiom5 Law Chambers LLP, seeks to foster deeper engagement among law students regarding the intersection of legal frameworks and economic principles within the rapidly shifting landscape of Indian antitrust law. The competition is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students currently enrolled in recognized legal institutions across India, offering a platform for critical analysis on the most pressing issues in contemporary competition policy.

As the legal landscape undergoes significant structural changes, including the implementation of the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 , the event aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical market realities. The organizers emphasize that competition law is a field where economic logic is foundational, noting, "Of all fields of legal practice, competition law is perhaps the one that cannot be argued at all without economics." By focusing on this nexus, the competition encourages participants to move beyond descriptive summaries and instead offer analytical, argumentative insights into how regulatory bodies should navigate the complexities of modern commerce.

Navigating the Frontiers of Market Regulation

The competition is structured around four critical themes under the overarching banner of " Competition Law in a Changing Market Order." The first theme explores the regulation of digital markets and platform power, challenging participants to analyze the ongoing debate between ex-post and ex-ante regulatory frameworks. With the Draft Digital Competition Bill serving as a primary point of discourse, students are invited to examine how competition law should evolve to address the unique challenges of data as a competitive parameter, the conduct of major platforms, and the complexities of merger control in the digital economy.

The second area of inquiry focuses on the shift toward effects-based analysis in cases of abuse of dominance. Participants are encouraged to explore the transition from formalistic legal presumptions toward a more nuanced, evidence-driven approach that measures the actual economic impact of business practices, such as rebates, discounts, and vertical restraints. This section highlights the difficulty of defining market dominance in multi-sided digital spaces, where traditional metrics often fail to capture the nuances of platform influence.

The third theme moves into the high-tech realm of artificial intelligence and algorithmic antitrust. As pricing algorithms become more sophisticated, the challenge of detecting "agreements" in hub-and-spoke arrangements and information exchange becomes paramount. The competition seeks fresh perspectives on how enforcement agencies can design frameworks to identify machine-driven coordination that might otherwise evade traditional detection methods. Finally, the fourth theme addresses cartels and collusion outside of traditional product markets, specifically looking at the emergence of labor-market cartels, employment restraints, and bid-rigging in public procurement. By broadening the scope beyond standard retail markets, the organizers hope to foster a comprehensive understanding of how collusion manifests in modern economic environments.

Industry Engagement and Academic Rigor

The collaboration with Axiom5 Law Chambers LLP and Chandhiok & Mahajan signifies a commitment to professional development. As an antitrust boutique, Axiom5 brings a focus on the broader regulatory paradigm, treating antitrust questions as part of a larger conversation involving governance and market dynamics. Similarly, Chandhiok & Mahajan, recognized for its market-leading competition practice, provides the winners with tangible opportunities to engage with competition law through prestigious internship placements.

The submission process is designed to ensure a high standard of academic excellence. Participants are required to submit an original, unpublished article of up to 3,000 words. To maintain fairness and emphasize merit, the competition employs an anonymous, double-blind review process. All manuscripts must be anonymized, excluding any identifying details of the author or their institution, and will be evaluated by an allotted submission code. The rigorous guidelines further specify that the use of AI tools for drafting or editing is strictly prohibited, with submissions undergoing a thorough check to ensure compliance with integrity standards. A similarity threshold of 10% has been set for all entries, underscoring the organizers' insistence on original intellectual contribution.

Virtual Deliberation and Final Recognition

To enrich the experience of the participants, the Centre for Law and Economics will host a virtual panel discussion on January 10, 2027. This session will bring together leading practitioners from across the country to debate the very themes being explored in the competition. The panel, moderated by Anicham Tamilmani, will feature insights from industry experts including Avinash Amarnath, Pranjal Prateek, Shruti Aji Murali, and Raveena K. Sethia. This interactive component is intended to serve as a forum where students, practitioners, and scholars can exchange views on the practical application of economic policy in legal settings.

The top three entries will receive cash prizes of ₹20,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000 respectively, alongside the aforementioned internship opportunities. Furthermore, the top ten entries will receive Certificates of Merit, while all valid submissions will be awarded a digital Certificate of Participation. Prospective participants must complete their registration through the official portal by November 10, 2026, with the final deadline for article submissions set for November 30, 2026. The results will be announced during the panel discussion, marking the culmination of a rigorous academic exploration into the future of Indian antitrust and competition law.