V.S. Mani Centre for Air and Space Law (VSMCASL), Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), India is organising the 6th V.S. Mani Memorial National Essay Competition, 2025, sponsored by Prof. (Dr.) Stephan Hobe, Director, Institute of Air Law, Space Law and Cyber Law, University of Cologne, Germany.
About the Centre
The V.S. Mani Centre for Air and Space Law (VSMCASL) at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) is a premier academic and research institution dedicated to the study and advancement of air and space law in India. Named in honour of the eminent jurist Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Mani, the Centre aims to promote specialized legal education and scholarship in these evolving domains of international law. VSMCASL regularly conducts national and international conferences, essay competitions, certificate courses, and expert lectures to foster legal awareness and research. It also serves as a platform for students, scholars, and professionals to engage in policy-oriented discourse on aerospace governance.
Objective of the Competition
To encourage and provide opportunity for research to students passionate about Air and Space Law.
Theme
Any contemporary issue of ‘Air and Space Law’.
Eligibility and Registration
The competition is open to students pursuing UG/PG (Law) in India. The students shall register by filling the online form.
Submission Guidelines
- Submission shall be made in the online mode only.
- Submission shall be in English.
- Submission need to be original. Plagiarism shall result in disqualification.
- Title once registered shall not be changed. Co-authorship is permitted up to a maximum of two authors.
- Name, affiliation of author/co-author shall be attached separately in the same e-mail while submitting and not in any manner as part of the essay. Any identification mark (in any form) in the essay shall lead to disqualification.
- Multiple or incomplete submissions shall not be considered.
- Word limit: Min. 4000 to Max. 6000 words (excluding references). Submission below or above the word limit shall not be considered. Citation style: OSCOLA ( 4 Edition). Font: Times New Roman; Font size-12; Spacing- 1.5.
- Any contribution received after the last date shall not be considered. Submit your text as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
- Essays submitted shall neither have been published previously nor be under consideration for publication.
- The decision of the Selection Committee shall be final. Essays will be evaluated on the following criteria: depth of analysis, cogency of arguments, structure, feasibility of suggestions, language and references in support.
- By way of submission, authors of the essays which are awarded prize money and certificates of merit, agree that Copyright therein shall vest in VSMCASL.
Submission Deadline
15 August 2025.
All submissions must be emailed to: [email protected].
Prizes
- 1st Prize: ₹11,000/-
- 2nd Prize: ₹10,000/-
- 3rd Prize: ₹9,000/-
All participants who submit essays before 15 August 2025 will receive an e-Certificate of Appreciation.
Announcement of the Award
Results will be announced in September 2025.
Downloads
Brochure: [Click here to view]
Contact
For queries, please email: [email protected].
