The Centre for Research and Policy at the NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, Mumbai, has officially announced the commencement of its upcoming International Research Conference, scheduled to take place on January 30 and 31, 2027. This hybrid event, designed to bring together a global cohort of legal professionals, academicians, and researchers, aims to provide a rigorous platform for the examination of emerging legal reforms and contemporary global governance challenges. By fostering an environment that encourages intellectual exchange, the conference seeks to contribute to the development of legal frameworks capable of addressing the complexities inherent in an increasingly globalized society.

The conference is structured around seven primary themes, each focusing on critical intersections of law and modern societal advancement. The first theme addresses pressing questions within Criminal Law, specifically focusing on the evolving marital rape exception in India, advancements in forensic science, and the changing philosophy of punishment, including the role of community service. Complementing this is a significant emphasis on Intellectual Property Rights, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, where scholars are expected to deliberate on the regulatory challenges of deepfakes, misinformation, and the contentious status of AI as an unrecognized inventor within existing copyright frameworks.

Environmental Law and Climate Policy form the third pillar of the conference, with discussions prioritized toward India’s clean energy transition, the regulation of electronic waste, and the legal implications of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. This focus on corporate responsibility extends into the fourth theme, which interrogates Competition and Labour Law. Sessions in this domain will dissect the legal status of gig and platform workers and the enforcement challenges associated with big data and market dominance.

Beyond domestic concerns, the conference broadens its scope to cover Human Rights, Space Law, and Maritime Law. The human rights track will address systemic barriers to access to justice, the ethics of reproductive autonomy, and the persistence of caste-based labor issues despite statutory prohibitions. In the sphere of Space Law, the agenda includes discussions on the militarization of outer space, the regulation of commercial space tourism, and the legal hurdles of property rights and extraction beyond Earth. The final theme, Maritime Law, will examine the intersection of international environmental obligations and deep-sea resource exploitation, alongside the legal framework for autonomous vessels in the shipping industry.

The academic rigor of the conference is bolstered by the involvement of the prestigious law firm Khaitan & Co., which serves as the Knowledge Partner for the 2026-27 cycle. Their participation underlines the commitment of the organizers to bridge the gap between academic research and industry practice. Through their association, the conference aims to nurture legal talent by providing participants with exposure to the practical demands of the legal profession. As part of this collaborative effort, the top ten rank-holders at the conference will be eligible for internship opportunities, while the top fifteen papers will be considered for publication in reputed journals.

Leadership at the Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, including Mentor Harshal Shah, Dean Dr. Durgambini Patel, and Associate Dean Dr. Nazima Munshi, emphasized that the institution is committed to fostering a culture of research and innovation that transcends classroom boundaries. The Centre for Research and Policy , which serves as the primary organizing body, has been tasked with managing a high volume of submissions from both national and international scholars. The center was established with the goal of "advancing Legal Research and development by integrating it with interdisciplinary approaches and analyzing contemporary legal issues."

To ensure the quality of the discourse, the Organizing Committee has implemented a stringent submission process. All abstracts must be submitted by November 20, 2026 , followed by registration and full paper submissions by December 25, 2026 . The committee has clarified that originality is a non-negotiable requirement, stating, "All submissions should be original and non-plagiarized work and should not have been submitted for publication/published elsewhere in any form." Turnitin will be used to enforce a strict limit on plagiarism and AI-generated content, with AI usage capped at twenty percent.

The conference format is intentionally designed to be accessible through a hybrid model, allowing participants who cannot be physically present in Mumbai to engage with the sessions virtually. Each participant, upon registration, is assigned a unique three-digit code to facilitate the administrative process throughout the conference proceedings. The event concludes with a recognition of excellence, where monetary awards will be granted for the best three papers and the most effective presenter. These incentives reflect the institution's drive to incentivize high-quality, actionable research that offers unconventional recommendations to policy-making bodies.

As the deadline for submissions approaches, the Centre for Research and Policy has assembled a comprehensive support system for prospective participants, including dedicated heads of departments for registration, hospitality, and communication. The conference serves as a critical junction for emerging legal scholars to share their research and innovative solutions to pressing global issues. By creating a space for an inclusive dialogue between seasoned legal professionals and the next generation of jurists, the NMIMS Kirit P. Mehta School of Law intends to ensure a well-rounded and deeply critical exploration of the legal frameworks necessary for future-proofing societal justice and corporate governance. The event stands as a testament to the school's ongoing dedication to delivering comprehensive legal education with practical training in a rapidly evolving global landscape.