The Centre for Studies in International Trade and International Investment Laws (CITIL), Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, with its Knowledge Partner Manupatra, India’s premier legal research and information platform, is organizing the CITIL Article Writing Competition, 2025 on the theme “Dispute Resolution in International Investment Law: Innovations and Reforms.”

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About DNLU, Jabalpur

Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur (M.P.), established in 2018 under the Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act, 24 of 2018, aims to promote excellence in legal education and research. Guided by its motto, “Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara” (Speak the truth and follow Dharma), the University is committed to fostering integrity, justice, and ethical values. DNLU provides value-based legal education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, preparing students to excel as competent professionals and contribute meaningfully to the legal fraternity and society.

About Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL)

The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL) at Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, is a prominent academic and research body committed to advancing scholarship and policy engagement in the field of International Trade and Investment Law. Through its wide range of initiatives, the Centre actively promotes academic dialogue, legal research, and capacity building by collaborating with national and international institutions, conducting impactful studies, and organizing specialized training programmes. CITIL has significantly contributed to the development of legal scholarship through its research work, publications, and policy insights that have shaped contemporary legal practice and governance.

About the Competition

The CITIL Article Writing Competition, 2025 invites submissions on the theme:
“Dispute Resolution in International Investment Law: Innovations and Reforms.”

The competition aims to encourage critical scholarship and innovative thinking among law students and young researchers, focusing on the evolving landscape of investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS). With global discussions on ISDS reforms, particularly under UNCITRAL Working Group III, the competition provides an avenue for participants to explore alternative mechanisms, transparency, and fairness in investment arbitration.

Indicative Sub-Themes:

Reforming ISDS: Comparative Legal and Institutional Innovations
UNCITRAL Working Group III: Trends, Challenges, and State Practice
India’s Model BIT in Transition: Substantive Provisions and Investor Protections
Regional Approaches to Investment Dispute Resolution
Balancing Regulatory Autonomy with Investor Rights
Role of Appellate Mechanisms and Advisory Centres in ISDS Reform
The Impact of Technology on Investment Dispute Resolution

(The sub-themes are suggestive; participants may write on any topic within the main theme.)

Eligibility

Undergraduate Law Students: Enrolled in a 3-year or 5-year LL.B. programme.
Postgraduate Law Students: Enrolled in LL.M. or equivalent postgraduate law programmes.

Submission Guidelines

Word Limit: 2,000–3,500 words (excluding footnotes)
Citation Style: Harvard Bluebook (21st Edition) or Manu Citation
Co-Authorship: Permitted (up to two authors)
Plagiarism: Papers exceeding 15% similarity will be disqualified
Use of AI tools: Strictly prohibited.

The entries must adhere to Manupatra’s submission guidelines. (Attached in the Drive link given below along with the brochure)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRGpbw2NYHMYinq04gFBaDBHZizG3HQn?usp=drive_link

Important dates

Registration Opens: October 18, 2025
Last Date of Registration: November 30, 2025
Last Date for Submission: December 22, 2025
Declaration of Results: Last week of January 2026 (Tentative)

Awards and Publication Opportunities

1st Prize: Complimentary access to one Manupatra Academy course of the winner’s choice
2nd Prize: 75% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
3rd Prize: 50% discount on one Manupatra Academy course
All Participants: 15% discount on one Manupatra Academy course

The Top 10 articles will be published on the Manupatra Article Section, offering visibility to a national academic and professional audience.