International Conference on Beyond Decriminalisation at Bennett University

About the University

Bennett University was established by Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd. (BCCL), a media group with over 178 years of legacy grounded in trust, knowledge, and public service. It is a state private university located in Uttar Pradesh and aims to provide Ivy League–quality education to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

About the Conference

The international conference is titled: “Beyond Decriminalisation: Equality, Dignity, and the Future of LGBTQ+ Rights in India.”

The conference aims to:

• Critically examine post-Navtej and post-NALSA developments in LGBTQ+ jurisprudence
• Analyse the gap between constitutional recognition and lived realities
• Explore emerging issues such as family law, labour rights, healthcare, digital spaces, and criminal justice
• Encourage research and student engagement in queer legal studies
• Strengthen the academic mandate of Satrang.

Sub themes

• Theme I: Constitutionalism, Equality, and LGBTQ+ Jurisprudence
  • Constitutional morality, dignity, autonomy
  • Evolution of LGBTQ+ rights in India
  • Articles 14, 15, 19, 21
  • Role of courts
  • Comparative constitutional approaches
  • International human rights law
• Theme II: Family, Kinship, and Intimate Citizenship
  • Marriage equality and civil unions
  • State regulation of intimacy
  • Adoption, parenting, surrogacy
  • Personal laws (inheritance, succession, guardianship)
  • Child rights in queer families
• Theme III: Gender Identity, Health, and Bodily Autonomy
  • Legal recognition of gender identity
  • Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act
  • Healthcare access and insurance
  • Medical ethics and gender-affirming care
  • Sexual and reproductive health rights
  • Disability and queerness
• Theme IV: Violence, Criminal Justice, and Access to Justice
  • Criminal justice system and LGBTQ+ persons
  • Policing and custodial experiences
  • Sexual violence and consent
  • Hate crimes
  • Prison rights
  • Procedural barriers
• Theme V: Institutions, Technology, and Lived Realities
  • Workplace discrimination and labour rights
  • Educational institutions and inclusion
  • Anti-discrimination law
  • Digital harassment and cyber violence
  • Data protection and privacy
  • Intersectionality (caste, class, religion, disability, region)

Eligibility

• Students (UG and PG)
• Research scholars
• Academicians
• Industry experts
• NGO representatives
• Social activists
• Government and non-government representatives

How to Submit?

Abstracts must be emailed to: satrang@bennett.edu.in.

Subject line must read: [Abstract Submission for International Conference on Beyond Decriminalisation: Equality, Dignity, and the Future of LGBTQ+ Rights in India]

Document name format: [Author Name_Title of the Paper]

Mode of submission of full paper will be communicated after abstract acceptance.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract:
  • Maximum 800 words
  • Must clearly indicate theme and keywords
  • Must include cover page with:
    – Sub-theme
    – Title
    – Author name(s)
    – Email address
    – Postal address
    – Contact number
• Full Paper:
  • 5000–8000 words
  • MS Word format (.doc or .docx only)
  • Cover page must include:
    – Name(s)
    – Designation
    – Institutional affiliation
    – Email ID
    – Contact number
• Formatting:
  • Title: Times New Roman, 16, Bold, Center
  • Headings: TNR 14, Bold
  • Sub-headings: TNR 12, Bold
  • Main Text: TNR 12, 1.5 spacing, Justified
  • Footnotes: TNR 10, 1.0 spacing
  • Citation Style: Bluebook (21st Edition)

Fee

• Academicians (India):
  • Single Authorship – INR 1800
  • Co-Authorship – INR 1500
• International Academicians: USD 30
• Research Scholars / NGO Authors (India):
  • Single – INR 1000
  • Co-authorship – INR 800 per person
• International Scholars: USD 15
• Students (India):
  • Single – INR 600
  • Co-authorship – INR 500 per person
• International Students: USD 10

Important dates

• Abstract Submission: 10th March 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 14th March 2026
• Last Date of Registration & Payment: 25th March 2026
• Full Paper Submission: 3rd April 2026
• Conference Dates: 7th–8th April 2026

Awards

• Best Paper Presenter Certificate (for each theme)
• Selected papers published in ISBN book
• Certificate of Presentation for presenters
• Certificate of Participation for attendees

Contact

Email: satrang@bennett.edu.in
Call: 1800 103 8484
WhatsApp: 8860309257