Call for Papers | HPNLU Journal of Disability Studies (Vol. III), Submit by July 15, 2026!

The Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, through its Centre for Human Rights and Disability Studies, is officially inviting scholarly contributions for Volume III (2026) of the HPNLU Journal of Disability Studies (ISSN: 3108-110X). As the first of its kind among National Law University journals in India, this publication serves as a “Lighthouse” for legal and multidisciplinary discourse on disability rights and jurisprudence.

About the HPNLU Journal of Disability Studies

The HPNLU Journal of Disability Studies (HPNLU-JDS) is an annual, blind peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the evolving landscape of disability laws. Established by HPNLU Shimla, the journal aims to provide a robust platform for stakeholders—including people with disabilities, activists, lawyers, and policymakers—to share first-person narratives and academic analysis.

By moving away from the “otherization” of people with disabilities, the journal promotes a “right-in-action” approach. It adopts a multidisciplinary perspective in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), welcoming contributions that explore the legal, socio-economic, psychological, and feminist aspects of disability. Whether through theoretical inquiry or research-focused work, the journal strives to sensitize society and establish a conducive environment for disability discourse.

About the Call for Papers: Volume III

For the 2026 volume, the Editorial Board is seeking original, unpublished manuscripts that offer a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of contemporary issues in disability law. The selection process is grounded in analytical rigor, ensuring that only high-quality scholarship that contributes beyond existing literature is published.

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Submission Categories:

• Articles (6,000 to 10,000 words): Comprehensive studies on disability-related legal developments.
• Essays & Comments (4,000 to 6,000 words): Focused analytical pieces on specific themes.
• Case & Legislative Comments (4,000 to 6,000 words): Critical review of judicial pronouncements or new statutes.
• Book Reviews (3,000 to 4,000 words): In-depth review of a new hard copy of a relevant book.

Event Timeline

Eligibility & Guidelines

The HPNLU Journal of Disability Studies invites contributions from academicians, research scholars, legal professionals, and policymakers.

Academic and Formatting Requirements:

• Originality: Manuscripts must be the original work of the author. Paraphrasing without acknowledgment is strictly prohibited. Plagiarism must not exceed 10%.
• Abstract: Every submission must include an abstract of 250–300 words that explicitly mentions the novelty and usefulness of the idea.
• Co-authorship: Permitted for up to one (01) co-author only.
• Anonymity: The manuscript itself must not contain any reference to the author’s identity to facilitate the blind peer-review process.
• Citations: Authors must strictly adhere to the HPNLU-Shimla Citation Style. Only footnotes are permitted; no other citation methods will be accepted.
• Formatting: Main text in Times New Roman (Size 12, 1.5 line spacing); Footnotes in Times New Roman (Size 10, single spacing).

Terms and Conditions

1. Copyright: The copyright for all published articles shall vest in the owner of HPNLU, Shimla.
2. Liability: Contributors are liable for any copyright violation, defamation, or contempt issues arising from their work.
3. Sources: Only authoritative websites and primary sources should be cited. References to Wikipedia, blogs, or commercial sites are unacceptable.
4. Declaration: A solemn declaration regarding the originality of the manuscript and its non-submission elsewhere is mandatory.

Why Contribute to HPNLU-JDS?

• Pioneering Platform: Publish in India’s first NLU journal specifically devoted to disability jurisprudence.
• Academic Analysis: Benefit from a rigorous peer-review process that refines your legal reasoning and academic analysis.
• Social Impact: Contribute to a discourse that directly affects policy-making and the rights of people with disabilities.
• Professional Recognition: An ISSN-indexed publication in a National Law University journal is a significant milestone for any researcher or professional.

Application & Submission Procedure

To submit your work to the HPNLU Journal of Disability Studies, follow these official instructions:

1. Prepare a Covering Letter: Include the paper title, author(s) name, designation, institutional affiliation, and a declaration of originality.
2. Format the Manuscript: Ensure the file is in .docx (MS Word) format and follows the HPNLU-Shimla citation guidelines.
3. Email Submission: Send the manuscript and covering letter to editorjds@hpnlu.ac.in.
4. Subject Line: Must be “Submission to HPNLU-JDS-V3 <Title of Contribution>”.

Contact Persons:

• Dr. Sachin Sharma (Editor): sachinsharma@hpnlu.ac.in
• Samia Mirza (Student Member): +91 63062 05121
• Ashpinder Kaur (Student Member): +91 98762 13792

Access Citation Style Link:HPNLU-Shimla Citation Style Guide