An invitation to amplify the voices of the vulnerable and analyze the intersection of constitutional mandates and juvenile justice.
About NLUD Chair on Justice for Children
The Chair on Justice for Children at National Law University, Delhi (NLUD), in collaboration with UNICEF, is a specialized body dedicated to advancing scholarship on child rights within the criminal justice system.1 A National Essay Writing Competition organized by this Chair is not merely an academic exercise; it is part of a larger mission to support high-quality legal representation for children in need of care and protection. Guided by Chair Professor Tasneem Deo, the initiative merges academic insight with practical engagement to ensure fairness and dignity for children in conflict with the law.2
The Chair serves as a mentorship hub for the next generation of child rights researchers and lawyers.3 By building a robust body of scholarship, it aims to influence policy and practice in the juvenile justice sector.4 Collaborating with UNICEF further elevates the platform, providing students with the opportunity to have their work recognized by international standards of child advocacy. The Chair’s work is pivotal in mentoring students to approach the law with compassion, ensuring that the legal system treats every child with the dignity guaranteed by the Constitution.
About the National Essay Writing Competition
The 1st edition of the National Essay Competition, titled “Small Voices: Big Rights,” is presented by the NLUD Chair on Justice for Children, UNICEF, and the Constitutional Law Club.5 This National Essay Writing Competition challenges students to critically examine how India’s constitutional framework interacts with specialized child protection systems. It focuses on the crossroads where constitutional law—the bedrock of rights—meets criminal law, which defines liability and victimhood for minors.
Participants are encouraged to engage in strong legal analysis regarding juvenile justice processes in India.6 The competition seeks to move beyond classroom learning, inviting students to think about the “Small Voices” that are often lost in complex legal machinery.7 By participating, students develop a deeper understanding of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the POCSO Act, refining their ability to draft persuasive, research-oriented legal narratives.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Submission Deadline | March 01, 2026 |
| Internal Review Period | March 02 – March 14, 2026 |
| Declaration of Results | March 15, 2026 |
| Publication of Winning Entries | April 2026 (Tentative) |
Location and Mode
Mode: Online Submission
Location: National Law University, Delhi (Sector 14, Dwarka).
While NLU Delhi serves as the prestigious host, the National Essay Writing Competition is conducted entirely in an online mode to facilitate participation from law students across India. Submissions are made via a centralized digital portal, ensuring that students from every corner of the country can contribute their perspectives on child rights without geographical barriers. The winning entries will be featured in the university’s digital newsletters and opinion pages, reaching a nationwide audience of legal experts.
Format and Structure
| Parameter | Details |
| Word Limit | 1,500 – 2,000 words (Excluding footnotes) |
| Font Style | Garamond (Size 12) |
| Citation Style | OSCOLA 4th Edition |
| Co-authorship8 | Not Permitted (Individual Participation Only)9 |
Eligibility & Requirements
The competition is open to all undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) law students currently enrolled in any recognized university in India.10 There are no registration fees, making this National Essay Writing Competition an accessible platform for all. However, the standards for integrity are exceptionally high: submissions must have a similarity index below 20%. Notably, NLU Delhi maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding Generative AI; any use of AI-assisted writing will lead to immediate disqualification. Essays must be original, analytical, and written in English, with a title no longer than 12 words.
Competition Themes
Participants must choose one of the following specialized themes for their submission:
- Theme 1: The Role of Dignity under Article 21 in Shaping Juvenile Justice in India.
- Theme 2: The Interplay of Privacy and Protection under POCSO.11
- Theme 3: Article 39A and Access to Justice for Children.12
Additional Highlights
- National Recognition: The Winner will receive a Certificate of Merit and publication in the prestigious NLUD J4C Newsletter.
- Opinion Platform: The Runner-Up will be published on the NLUD J4C Online Opinion Page.
- Top 10 Merit: The top ten entries will receive Certificates of Merit, highly valued for CV building.13
- Expert Mentorship: Opportunity to have your work reviewed by the Chair Professor and UNICEF collaborators.
- Social Impact: Contributing to the discourse on child rights and constitutional protections.
Important Links
Contact Information
- Organization: NLUD Chair on Justice for Children
- Collaborators: UNICEF & Constitutional Law Club, NLU Delhi14
- Address: Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110078.
