RGNUL–SAM Legislation Drafting Competition, 2026
RGNUL–SAM Legislation Drafting Competition, 2026
About the Competition
The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab (RGNUL), in collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Studies in Cyber Law and Artificial Intelligence (CASCA) and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM), is organising the RGNUL–SAM Legislation Drafting Competition, 2026.
The competition focuses on the Proposed Digital India Bill, encouraging participants to critically engage with digital governance, technology regulation, and legislative policy-making.
About the Organisers
– Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab (RGNUL)
Established in 2006, RGNUL is an autonomous National Law University and the first and only NLU accredited with an ‘A’ Grade by NAAC. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 law schools in India by NIRF.
– Centre for Advanced Studies in Cyber Law and Artificial Intelligence (CASCA)
CASCA is a specialised research centre at RGNUL dedicated to examining the intersection of law, technology, and innovation, with a focus on regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.
– Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM)
SAM is a leading global law firm with recognised expertise in General Corporate, Data Protection, and Technology Law, and has played a significant role in shaping India’s regulatory landscape.
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Competition Focus
The competition is centred on the Proposed Digital India Bill, a landmark legislative initiative aimed at defining India’s digital future. Participants are required to draft a legislative chapter addressing a specific aspect of the Bill.
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Themes and Sub-Themes
Participants must select one facet of the Digital India Bill. Indicative sub-themes include:
– Intermediary regulation, including safe harbour, transparency, and due diligence
– Cybercrimes against individuals, such as identity theft, deepfakes, and online harassment
– Regulation of artificial intelligence, including algorithmic transparency and accountability
– Non-personal data regulation and governance of anonymised datasets
– Online safety and consumer trust, with emphasis on children and vulnerable groups
– Internet of Things (IoT) security, device regulation, and data governance
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Eligibility and Team Composition
– Open to undergraduate students from any recognised college or university
– Students from any year of study are eligible
– Participation may be individual or in teams of up to two members
– Interdisciplinary co-authorship is permitted
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Competition Structure
The competition will be conducted in two rounds.
Round I: Preliminary Submission
Submissions will be reviewed by CASCA and SAM. Seven entries will be shortlisted for the final round.
Marking criteria (out of 100 marks):
– Writing skills and use of legal terminology: 10 marks
– Formatting and adherence to guidelines: 5 marks
– Research skills and depth of analysis: 30 marks
– Practical applicability and legal solutions: 25 marks
– Addendum (rationale and implementation pathway): 30 marks
Round II: Presentation Round
Shortlisted participants will present their draft legislation at the RGNUL campus before a panel comprising legal experts and partners from SAM.
Marking criteria (out of 100 marks):
– Understanding of the legislative problem: 20 marks
– Quality and coherence of drafted legislation: 30 marks
– Presentation and communication skills: 25 marks
– Handling of questions: 15 marks
– Supporting research and references: 10 marks
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Submission and Formatting Guidelines
General Rules
– Language: English only
– Anonymity: Author identity must not be disclosed; Team Codes must be used and metadata removed
– Originality: Plagiarism must not exceed 20 percent (Turnitin check applicable)
– Use of generative AI tools is strictly prohibited
– Submission format: Combined file in .doc/.docx and .pdf formats
Page Limits
– Draft legislation: Maximum 20 pages (including cover page)
– Addendum: Maximum 10 pages
– Combined total: Not more than 30 pages
Suggested Legislative Structure
– Long Title
– Preamble
– Extent and Applicability
– Definitions
– Operative Provisions
– Procedural Provisions
– Exceptions
– Offences and Penalties
Formatting Specifications
– Font: Times New Roman
– Body text: 12-point font
– Long Title: 14-point font
– Spacing: Single spacing for legislation; 1.25 spacing for addendum
– Footnotes: Times New Roman, 10-point, single spacing
– Citation style: OSCOLA (4th Edition), applicable to the addendum
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Important Dates
– Brochure release: 18 December 2025
– Registration deadline: 15 January 2026
– Submission deadline: 5 February 2026 (11:59 PM)
– Declaration of Round I results: 15 February 2026
– Round II presentation: 5 March 2026
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Registration Details
– Registration fee: ₹590 per team member
– Registration link: https://forms.gle/8UED1uEQWc97sKnP7
– Payment link: https://lsacademia.in/lsargnul/eventPortal/loginFrom.jsp
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Prizes and Rewards
– Top two teams: Three-month apprenticeship/traineeship with the SAM Policy Team
(Note: 1st–3rd year B.A. LL.B. students will be eligible to undertake the apprenticeship in their 4th or 5th year)
– Top five teams: Certificate of Merit
– All participants: Certificate of Participation
– Publication: Top three entries will be published on the CASCA website
Contact Information
For queries and clarifications, contact:
– Email: casca@rgnul.ac.in