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Legal Services Committee Launches Essay Competition on and 2026
Ahmedabad, India – The Legal Services Committee (LSC) has announced the inaugural edition of its National Essay Competition on and , inviting undergraduate students from across India to critically examine the barriers that prevent . The competition, which is part of the 2026 edition of the LSC’s newsletter Abhilekh , will culminate on National Legal Services Day (), underscoring its commitment to fostering dialogue on .
Competition Overview and Theme
The competition invites submissions under the broad theme of “ and ,” encouraging participants to explore , the role of , challenges faced by marginalised communities, and the impact of technology and the digital divide. Indicative sub-themes include for women and children, , and the intersection of socio-economic inequality with .
“The competition seeks to encourage critical engagement with the legal, institutional and socio-economic dimensions of ,” the organisers stated in the brochure. Submissions must demonstrate original thought, critical analysis, and engagement with contemporary legal developments.
Prizes, Internships, and Publication
Cash prizes of ₹8,000, ₹5,000, and ₹3,000 will be awarded to the top three entries. Additionally, winners will receive internship opportunities with the and the . The top 10 entries will be published in Abhilekh , the newsletter of the Legal Services Committee, and all participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
The competition allows co-authorship (up to two authors) and charges a registration fee of ₹200 for single-author entries and ₹300 for co-authored submissions.
Submission Guidelines and Important Dates
Essays must be between 1,300 and 1,500 words, formatted in Times New Roman (12-point, 1.5 line spacing), with hyperlinks for all citations. The manuscript must not exceed 10% plagiarism similarity and must be anonymised—no author name or institutional affiliation should appear. Submissions are to be made via a Google Form, with payment processed through a Razorpay link.
Key dates: - Last Date for Registration & Payment: - Last Date for Submission: - Results Declaration: (National Legal Services Day)
Key Organisers and Contacts
The competition is spearheaded by Editor-in-Chief Bhavya Soni and a dedicated editorial board, with advisory oversight from Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director of , Dr. Hardik Parikh, Faculty Convenor of LSC, and Dr. Nitin Malik, Registrar of . For queries, participants may reach out to Bhavya Soni at +91 98989 65412 or Managing Editor Prince Raj at +91 878 988 3897.
Significance and Broader Vision
By aligning the competition’s results with National Legal Services Day, the LSC aims to highlight the of . The 2026 edition of Abhilekh builds on previous themes of labour rights and social protection, now turning its focus to the foundational ideals of . The brochure notes that “justice is meaningful only when it is accessible to those who need it most,” a sentiment that underpins the entire initiative.
This competition offers a unique platform for undergraduate students to contribute to the discourse on , while gaining valuable recognition and career opportunities. Aspiring legal scholars and social justice advocates are encouraged to participate before the 25 September deadline.
