About Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur, established in 2014 by the Government of Maharashtra, is dedicated to fostering excellence and holistic development in legal education. The university aims to cultivate socially responsible and accountable legal professionals by developing legal and intellectual acumen through its multidisciplinary centers. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Shri Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Prof. (Dr.) Vijender Kumar, MNLU Nagpur is rapidly advancing towards achieving excellence in legal and justice education.

About the Event

The National Conference on Criminal Law, organized by MNLU Nagpur, focuses on “From Legislation to Practice: Assessing the Implementation of New Criminal Laws.” This conference critically examines the functioning and implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023. These new laws, which replace the IPC of 1860, CrPC of 1974, and Indian Evidence Act of 1872, introduce significant reforms, including the integration of technology, stricter timelines, and forensic-based investigations. The conference aims to bridge the gap between legislative intent and on-ground implementation by bringing together Judges, Advocates, Public Prosecutors, Police Officers, Academicians, and Students to discuss the effectiveness and challenges of these reforms. Discussions will focus on contrasts between the old and new criminal laws, practical difficulties faced by stakeholders, and harmonizing legal principles with procedural realities.

The conference invites full-length scholarly papers on the emerging areas of the new criminal laws. Selected papers will be presented at the Technical Sessions on April 05, 2025, in a hybrid mode and may be published in a book with an ISBN or a journal with an ISSN. The “Best Paper” from each technical session will be awarded a Certificate of Excellence based on adherence to formatting rules, fee payment, and submission deadlines.

Event Dates

Format/Structure

The conference will be held in a hybrid mode, allowing both in-person and virtual participation. It will include technical sessions where selected papers will be presented and discussed.

Location

Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Nagpur. The conference will be held in hybrid mode.

Additional Details

Sub-Themes:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)
  • Shifting focus from Punishment to Reformation and Justice.
  • Reforms in Offences against Women and Children.
  • Reforms in Offences Affecting the Human Body and Property.
  • Reforms in Offence against the State (Deshdroh) and its impact.
  • Need for reforms related to offences against the LGBTQ Community.
  • Pressing need for further reforms.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)
  • Reforms relating to Investigation, Inquiry and Trial, including Technological Advancements.
  • Reforms relating to Custody, Bail and Arrest.
  • Victim-centric Reforms.
  • Procedural Reforms Related to Sentencing.
  • Reforms to tackle delay in the Criminal Justice System.
  • Pressing need for further reforms.
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)
  • Reforms relating to Electronic Evidence and Cybercrime.
  • Reforms relating to admissibility of Oral, Documentary Evidence, and Hearsay.
  • Ensuring witness protection and integrity of testimony.
  • Best practices for evidence management.
  • Reforms related to the role of technology.
  • Pressing need for further reforms.

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstract:
  • Word limit: 300–350 words.
  • Deadline: March 20, 2025.
  • Include a cover letter with:
    1. Name of the Author(s)
    2. Sub-Theme (Optional)
    3. Email ID of the author(s)
    4. Contact Number of the author(s)
    5. Postal Address
  • Co-authorship is permitted to a maximum of 2 authors.
  • Original and unpublished work only.
• Full Paper:
  • Word limit: 4000 to 8000 words (exclusive of footnotes).
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 for main text, 10 for footnotes.
  • Line spacing: 1.5 for main text, 1 for footnotes.
  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides.
  • Citation Style: Bluebook, 20th edition.
  • File Name: Name of Author-Title of paper (.doc/.docx format).
  • A plagiarism declaration statement should be attached along with the full paper (Permitted similarity index is 10%).
  • The use of AI in writing is prohibited.
  • Link for full paper submission will be shared after abstract acceptance.

Registration Fees:

• Students:
  • Single-Authorship: 700/-
  • Co-Authorship: 1000/-
• Research Scholars:
  • Single-Authorship: 1000/-
  • Co-Authorship: 1500/-
• Academicians and Professionals:
  • Single-Authorship: 1500/-
  • Co-Authorship: 2000/-

Accommodation:

Available on a first-come, first-serve basis with a separate fee. Details will be shared separately.

Links Section

• Abstract Submission: https://forms.gle/5rNxV4Cs9ZkCMoym6
• Fee Payment: https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/sbicollect/

For any queries, contact the organizing committee at criminallawconference.mnlun@gmail.com.