About Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law:
The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab (RGNUL) is an autonomous National Law University (NLU) established by the RGNUL Act (no. 12 of 2006) passed by the Legislature of the State of Punjab, under the second wave of reforms instituted by the Bar Council of India.
Established in 2006, RGNUL has garnered a pan-India reputation as a stellar legal research and education institution. In May 2015, RGNUL became the first and the only NLU to have been accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an ‘A’ grade. In March 2018, RGNUL was amongst the four NLUs to have been granted autonomous status by the University Grants Commission. The University has been ranked among the top 10 law schools in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
About the Centre for Advanced Studies in Cyber Law and Artificial Intelligence (CASCA):
CASCA is dedicated to advancing research and policy engagement at the intersection of law and technology. It seeks to bridge the gap between technological innovation and legal frameworks by conducting rigorous, interdisciplinary research; convening scholars, practitioners, and students; and fostering informed public discourse on emerging regulatory challenges. Its commitment to collaboration and academic excellence positions CASCA as a pivotal contributor to the design and implementation of effective and evidence-based regulatory policies for the digital era.
About Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.:
SAM & Co. is known globally for its exceptional legal practice, including for General Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Data Protection & Data Privacy, Technology Law and Infrastructure, Energy and Project Finance. SAM & Co. has, over the years, made important contributions to some of the key policy and regulatory developments, including recommendations to Governmental & Regulatory authorities which have led to significant legal reforms to bring the extant applicable law abreast with the ever-evolving business environment. With a constantly evolving legal, regulatory and business environment, SAM & Co. is determined to embrace change and stay ahead.
About The Competition:
The Centre for Advanced Studies in Cyber Law and Artificial Intelligence (CASCA), RGNUL is organizing a two-round legislation drafting competition centred on the proposed Digital India Bill, a landmark legislation that will shape India’s digital future. It aims to encourage meaningful dialogue through legislative deliberation and cutting-edge policy advocacy in cyber law, artificial intelligence, intermediary liability and Internet of Things (IoT). The Competition provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in scholarly discourse on contemporary issues surrounding digital governance in India and develop critical thinking skills while gaining hands-on experience in legislative structuring and legal interpretation. The Competition invites participation of students across all colleges and universities to contribute to contemporary policy discussions.
Competition Structure:
The event shall be conducted in two rounds:
Round I: Submissions received for the Competition shall be subject to a preliminary review by CASCA. Shortlisted entries shall be forwarded to SAM and seven submissions will be selected after a thorough review process.
Round II: Participants shortlisted in Round I shall be invited to the RGNUL campus to present their draft legislations before a distinguished panel of legal luminaries and Partners at SAM.
Top two teams shall be offered an opportunity to intern with SAM & Co. Policy Team. Participants in their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year of B.A.LL.B (Hons.) shall be eligible to avail the internship in their 4th and 5th year respectively.
Eligibility:
The Competition shall be open to all students pursuing an under-graduate degree from a recognized college or university. Students in any year of their degree are allowed to participate. The Competition allows for interdisciplinary co-authorship. Entries may be submitted by individual authors or teams of up to 2 members. Cross-college coauthorship is allowed.
Theme and Sub-themes for Submission:
Main Theme: The Proposed Digital India Bill
Sub-themes:
· Intermediary Regulation
· Cybercrimes Against Individuals
· Artificial Intelligence Regulation
· Non-Personal Data Regulation
· Online Safety & Consumer Trust
· Internet of Things (IoT) Security Regulation
Kindly note, that the above sub-themes are non-exhaustive but illustrative in nature. Participants are requested to select a single facet for the purpose of drafting their chapter. The sub-themes listed are illustrative rather than exhaustive, and participants may propose any other facet that coheres with the broader scope of the proposed Digital India Bill. Submissions offering fresh, well-reasoned perspectives are encouraged, as are interdisciplinary approaches that draw on diverse fields and engage thoughtfully with both current and emerging challenges.
Timeline and Important Dates:
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Brochure Release: 18th December 2024
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Deadline for Registration: 15th January 2026
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Deadline for Submission: 5th February 2026 (11:59 PM)
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Declaration of Results for Round I: 15th February 2026
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Final Presentation and Declaration of Results: 5th March 2026
Registration and Payment:
Participants must register via the provided Google Form, duly attaching the payment receipt along with the form. Registration Fee: Rs. 590 per team member
Important Links:
Registration Form: https://forms.gle/rX6RBNpdy6Zjm5av5
Payment Link: https://lsacademia.in/lsa_rgnul/eventPortal/loginFrom.jsp
Prizes and Recognition:
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The members of the top 2 teams shall be awarded with a 3-month apprenticeship/traineeship with SAM & Co. Policy Team (subject to eligibility criteria prescribed by SAM & Co.)
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Certificate of Merit shall be given to the Top 5 teams
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Certificate of Participation shall be given to all Participants
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The Top 3 entries shall be published on CASCA’s website
Note: The registration fee is exclusive of accommodation charges. Teams qualifying for the Second Round (Presentation Round) and attending the event in person at the RGNUL campus shall bear their own accommodation and related expenses.
For further details, please refer to the brochure attached or contact us on casca@rgnul.ac.in