NLU Delhi invites papers on socio-legal concerns of senior citizens in India and Japan

The Centre for Comparitive Studies in Personal Laws (CPL) at National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) is inviting original and unpublished abstract submissions on the theme 'Aging in India & Japan: Socio-legal issues and measures concerning senior citizens' by October 12.

The global demographic transition is marked by increasing longevity and declining fertility which has led to a significant rise in the elderly population, particularly in countries like India and Japan.

While Japan stands as one of the most aged societies globally, India is witnessing a steady increase in its elderly demographic, with critical implications for health, social security, legal rights, and economic participation.

This edited volume aims to offer a comparative socio-legal exploration of aging in these two diverse yet interlinked jurisdictions.

Through the lens of law and public policy, this volume seeks to understand how both India and Japan are addressing the challenges and opportunities contested by the aging population. The work is situated within a rights-based and development-oriented framework that critically engages with legal regimes, institutional mechanisms, family structures, economic entitlements, and social welfare schemes.

The endeavour is not only to assess statutory frameworks and judicial responses but also to reflect on broader structural, cultural, and technological factors that shape aging in society.

By aligning this analysis with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning gender equality, health, dignity, peace and socio- economic justice, the volume aspires to contribute to a nuanced, interdisciplinary conversation on the future of elder care and active aging.

Contributors are encouraged to interrogate existing laws and policies, identify implementation gaps, and propose evidence-based reforms that are contextually grounded yet globally relevant.

The book undertakes a comparative legal and policy analysis of issues concerning senior citizens in India and Japan. It will be divided into two parts for the two countries.

This volume aims to foster a deeper understanding of aging through a socio-legal framework, while also undertaking the inquiry with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We encourage contributions that explicitly engage with one or more SDGs and map their research and analysis to specific targets within these Goals.

A detailed list of themes and sub-themes can be found in the brochure.

Submission guidelines

• Word Limit: 6,000 to 8,000 words (including footnotes; excluding abstract and references)

• Citation Style: Bluebook 22nd Edition (strict compliance required)

• Use of AI Tools: Not permitted; all submissions must be original and human- authored

• Authorship is limited to 2 authors per submission. Each author must include a short bio-note (not exceeding 150 words)

Important deadlines

• Abstract submission (300–500 words): October 12, 2025

• Notification of acceptance of abstract: October 31, 2025

• Full chapter submission: January 24, 2026

• Notification of acceptance: February 14, 2026

• All abstract should be in .doc or .docx format and submitted through the google form

Review process

All submissions will undergo double-blind peer review. Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to submit full chapters, which will be reviewed for originality, relevance, and scholarly merit.

The Editors reserve the right to reject any submission at any stage of the publication process if found lacking in originality, scholarly rigor, thematic alignment, or ethical standards. The decision of the Editors shall be final and binding in all matters relating to selection, editing, and publication.

Patron-in-chief: Vice-Chancellor, NLU Delhi, Prof (Dr) GS Bajpai

Patron: Registrar, NLU Delhi, Prof (Dr) Ruhi Paul

Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore

Editors: Professor of Law & Research Director, Centre for Comparitive Studines in Personal Law, Prof (Dr) Anupama Goel, and Associate Professor, Faculty of Welfare, Tohoku Fukushi University, Japan, Dr Haluna Kawashima.

[Read Brochure]

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