Call for Papers | The Vantage: A Journal of Law and Social Sciences [Volume 1, Issue 1]

About Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur, M.P.

Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), established in 2018 under the Madhya Pradesh, Dharmashastra National Law University Act 24 of 2018, is committed to advancing high-quality, value-based legal education. With a strong emphasis on research, scholarship, mooting culture, and practical legal training, DNLU provides an intellectually vibrant environment for undergraduate and postgraduate learners.

About the Journal

The Vantage is a bi-annual, double-blind, peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal published under the aegis of Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur. The Journal publishes research articles, book reviews, case and legislative comments, interviews, and thematic contributions across the domains of law and social sciences.

The Vantage published under three dedicated sections:

• Academician Corner

Eligibilty: Academicians, researchers, practitioners, and postgraduate scholars.

• Student Corner

Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs of law and social sciences

• Interview Corner

Eligibility: All scholars, practitioners, and professionals.

Theme for Volume 1, Issue 1

“LAW, SOCIETY AND INDIGENOUS WISDOM: EXPLORING CULTURAL NARRATIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE JUSTICE”

Indicative Sub-Themes

(Note: The sub themes are non-exhaustive and authors may choose relevant topic(s) within the broader theme.)

1. Customary and Indigenous legal systems and community governance

2. Indigenous approaches to restorative justice, compliance & accountability

3. Indigenous knowledge in environmental law, resource management & climate governance

4. Cultural narratives and moral jurisprudence

5. Historical evolution and contemporary relevance of Indigenous jurisprudence

6. Gender, caste & equity in Indigenous legal practices

7. Dharmaśāstra, Nyāya and Indian epistemologies in modern law

8. Mīmānsā principles and hermeneutics in statutory interpretation

9. Ethical governance through Indigenous knowledge systems

10.Technology, AI & traditional knowledge

11.Digital governance challenges through Indigenous frameworks

12.Bridging Indigenous thought with modern legal theory

13.Legal pluralism: statutory, customary & religious laws

14.Indigenous literature as a source of legal consciousness

15.Narrative jurisprudence and storytelling

16.Comparative legal myths & ethical tales

17.Indigenous normative orders & global constitutionalism

18.Legal pluralism in a globalized world

19.Indigenous knowledge traditions in international law

20.Role of Indigenous knowledge in global governance

Submission Guidelines:

Interviews:

• Substantive interviews with eminent personalities from law, governance, and social sciences.

• Must offer critical insights and contribute to scholarly/policy discourse.

• Open to scholars, practitioners, and professionals.

Long Articles

• 3,500—10,000 words

• Original, in-depth research with theoretical clarity and strong academic engagement

Short Articles

• 1,200—3,500 words

• Focused scholarly analysis on emerging themes

Legislative & Case Comments

• Up to 2,000 words

• Critical analysis of recent judgments, legislation, or policy reforms

Book Reviews

• 1,000—1,500 words

• Review of recent academic works with critical evaluation

General Policies

• All submissions must be original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere.

• The journal follows strict anti-plagiarism standards. Manuscripts with similarity above 10% (excluding quotations) will be rejected.

• AI-generated or AI-assisted manuscripts are strongly discouraged as per UGC guidelines (level 0).

• A maximum of three co-authors allowed.

• Cover letter must include:

  ○ Names and affiliation of all authors/interviewers

  ○ Contact details

  ○ Title and category of submission

• Authors must inform the Editorial Board of any change in affiliation during review.

• The Editorial Board may request revisions or reject submissions not meeting academic standards.

Formatting & Citation Standards

• Language: English

• Abstract: 250—300 words

• Font: Times New Roman

• Size: 12 pt

• Line Spacing: 1.5

• Margins: 1 inch on all sides

• Citation Style: APA 7th Edition

• File Format: .doc or .docx only

• Footnotes: Must follow APA (7th ed.)

Last Date for Full Paper Submission: 26 February 2026

Submission Procedure

All manuscripts must be submitted exclusively through the official submission portal: https://thevantage.mpdnlu.ac.in/

For more information please refer to the brochure attached or visit website.

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