The Society For Constitutional Law Discussion in collaboration with CNLU Legal Aid Cell is organising the 2nd Edition of its flagship event i.e., the PIL Drafting Competition.
About The Society For Constitutional Law Discussion
The Society For Constitutional Law Discussion (TSCLD) was established by the students of Chanakya National Law University, Patna, with a vision to provide a platform for public discourse and deliberation vis-à-vis Constitutional Law. This Society vides its blog and Journal (JCS) has worked diligently to successfully get ranked 21st globally and 2nd in India in the field of Constitutional Law blogs by Feedspot.
The Constitution gives us the first and last hope for rights, liabilities, and justice. TSCLD provides a platform where you can write and express your opinion on different issues related to Constitutional Law fearlessly.
About CNLU, Patna
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) was founded under the Bihar Act No. 24 of 2006 with the support of the Government of Bihar and is listed under Sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the U.G.C. Act, 1956. The university was created with the noble aim of benefiting society by offering high-quality legal education and promoting legal awareness.
It is accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and registered with the Bar Council of India (BCI). CNLU has earned a national reputation as a distinguished institution for legal research and education.
The university is committed to enhancing student opportunities and research capabilities through conferences, capacity-building programs, guest lectures, and competitions in essays and research papers, etc.
About CNLU Legal Aid Cell
CNLU Legal Aid Cell with its motto Stand Speak Act was established in the year 2015 with the vision to ensure fair and meaningful justice for the marginalized and disadvantaged by bringing them legal awareness and aid.
The main objectives of the Legal Aid Cell are to promote legal awareness throughout the State of Bihar, to provide pro bono legal aid to those who are in need, and to inculcate social responsibility which will lead to the realization of goals embodied in the Constitution of India. CNLU Legal Aid Cell is further divided into 4 different centers i.e., the Consumer Rights Centre, Centre for Client Counselling, Centre for Legal Awareness Camps, and Centre for Research on Cases.
About the Event
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) represents legal actions initiated by public-spirited individuals to protect public interests. The primary goal of PIL is to ensure justice for everyone, with a particular focus on serving the disadvantaged and neglected sectors of society. It encompasses a broad range of issues including environmental protection, child welfare, economic exploitation, cultural preservation, and ecological balance. The purposes of this competition aim to serve the following:
- Highlighting Societal Issues: This competition encourages participants to explore and address neglected areas/ sectors in society, thereby contributing to the welfare of the downtrodden.
- Skill Development: Participants will enhance their written and oral advocacy skills, essential for their growth and personality development.
Event Structure
The competition comprises two rounds:
- Memorial Submission Round and,
- Oral Pleading Round
Important Dates
- Release of Notification: 05th August 2024
- Last Date of Seeking Clarification (if any): 15th August 2024
- Release of Clarification: 17th August 2024
- Last Date of Registration & Fee Payment: 05th September 2024
- Last Date of Memorial Submission: 12th September 2024
- Result Declaration of Memorial Submission Round: 25th September 2024
- Oral Round(s): 29th September 2024
- Final Result: 15th October 2024
Themes for 2nd National PIL Drafting Competition, 2024
- Environmental Protection and Climate Change: Drafting PILs focused on combating environmental degradation, implementing stricter regulations for industries, and advocating for sustainable development policies.
- Right to Healthcare: Exploring the legal avenues to improve healthcare access and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and addressing the challenges faced during pandemics.
- Gender Equality and LGBTQ+ Rights: Advocating for stronger protections and equal rights for women and LGBTQ+ communities, including issues of workplace discrimination, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights.
- Educational Reforms: Addressing the need for equitable access to quality education, the right to education for marginalised communities, and the implementation of modern educational policies.
- Freedom of Speech and Expression: Exploring the boundaries and limitations of free speech in India, including issues related to media freedom, censorship, and the right to dissent.
- Judicial Reforms: Proposing changes to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the Indian judicial system.
- Water Rights and Conservation: Advocating for the sustainable management of water resources, equitable access to clean water, and measures to prevent water pollution.
Eligibility & Team Composition
- Eligibility: Open to all law students from recognised law schools, faculties, and universities offering law-related degrees.
- Team Composition: Teams can consist of one or two members. Cross-university teams are allowed.
Registration & Fee Details
- Fee: INR 500 for a single participant, INR 800 for a team of two.
- Payment: Via G-Pay, PayTm (7480830235), or bank transfer to:
- Name: Ayush Kumar
- Account Number: PUNB1655200100000033
- Bank: Punjab National Bank
- IFSC: PUNB0165520
Note: Registration fees are non-refundable.
Submission Guidelines
- Language: All drafts must be in English (UK/India).
- Format:
- Font: Times New Roman, size 12, 1.5 line spacing.
- Citation: Harvard Bluebook (20th edition).
- Components:
- Cover Page
- Table of Contents
- Table of Abbreviations
- Index of Authorities
- Statement of Jurisdiction
- Statement of Facts
- Issues Raised
- Summary of Arguments
- Arguments Advanced
- Prayer
- Annexure and Exhibits
- Document Format: MS Word & PDF (Both the files will have to be uploaded).
A link to the Submission Form will be shared with the candidates upon registration.
Perks & Prizes
- Cash Prizes:
- Best Performing Team/Individual [Overall]: INR 2,000/-
- 2nd Best Performing Team/Individual [Overall]: INR 1,500/-
- Best Memorial: INR 1,000/-
- Internship Opportunity for Three Top Performing Individuals at Four Pillars Chambers, New Delhi
- 20% scholarship to all participants of the event for all Lawctopus Law School courses, including the subscription plan.
- Certificate of Appreciation to all teams who will qualify for oral rounds.
- Certificate of Merit to the Best Memorial Submission and the Best Speaker.
- E-Certificate of Participation to all the participants.
Contact Us
For queries related to submission or registration, contact any of the members of the organising team at:
- Email: pil.events@tscld.com
- Event Convenor: Mr. Ayush Agrawal [+91 70679 98810]
- Event Co-Convenor: Ms. Avani Vijay [+91 79909 71092]
Brochure of 2nd National PIL Drafting Competition, 2024
Click here to download the Brochure.
Official Notification
The official notification of this event is available on TSCLD’s website here.