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Policies

1. Long Title

The Journal shall be named as Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal.

2. Short Title

For all official references, citations, and communications, the Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal shall be abbreviated as VTIMLJ.

3. Effective Date

This policy shall come into effect on 01/04/2025 (Saturday April 01, 2025) and shall remain in force until amended or revoked by the editorial board. Visitors, contributors, or subscribers, this policy shall be binding from the date they first engage with the journal, submit content, or subscribe, whichever is earlier. Continued engagement with the journal shall be deemed as acceptance of this policy.

4. Applicability

The policy applies to as and how:

4.1 Authors submitting manuscripts for publication.
4.2 Reviewers, editors, and contributors participating in the peer-review process.
4.3 Readers accessing our journal website and services.
4.4 Participants in journal-affiliated events, webinars, and online discussions.

And others directly and indirectly engaged with the journal.

5. Publication Schedule

The journal follows a fortnightly publication cycle (two publications in a month). Articles accepted outside the regular cycle may be published in an upcoming issue or as an early online release.

6. Definitions

  • “Academic Integrity” is the intellectual honesty in proposing, performing and reporting any activity, which leads to the creation of intellectual property.
  • “Archiving and Preservation” The journal’s policy on the long-term storage and digital preservation of published content to ensure continued availability and accessibility.
  • “Author” The primary contributor and claimed creator responsible for the research, writing, and submission of the manuscript.
  • “Business Days” refer to Monday to Friday, excluding national and public holidays as recognized under Indian law.
  • “Calendar Days” refer to all days in a month, including weekends and public holidays, as per the Gregorian calendar.
  • “Co-Author(s)” are Individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the work and share responsibility for its content.
  • “Common Knowledge” means a well known fact, quote, figure or information that is known to most of the people;
  • “Conference Proceedings” means a collection of research papers presented at academic conferences and published as part of the journal’s special editions.
  • “Copyright and Intellectual Property” means the legal rights associated with the ownership, reproduction, distribution, and modification of a published work. Upon publication, the journal retains the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), while due credit is always given to the author(s).
  • “Data” means any information, facts, statistics, or research findings collected, processed, or presented in a scholarly work, including qualitative and quantitative data.
  • “Digital Object Identifier (DOI)” means a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a published work for permanent identification, citation, and online tracking.
  • “Duplicate Submission” means submitting the same manuscript, in whole or in part, to multiple journals simultaneously or after publication without proper disclosure or permission.
  • “Editor” is an individual responsible for overseeing the editorial process, ensuring the quality, integrity, and ethical compliance of the published content.
  • “Editorial Board” is a panel of experts responsible for guiding the journal’s editorial policies, reviewing submissions, making publication decisions, and upholding academic integrity.
  • “Ethical Misconduct” means any violation of publication ethics, including plagiarism, falsification of data, authorship disputes, or conflicts of interest that are not disclosed.
  • “Funding” means any financial support, grants, or sponsorships received for conducting research, preparing a manuscript, or covering publication-related expenses. Authors must disclose funding sources for transparency.
  • “He and She, Singular and Plural” , References to “he,” “she,” or “they” shall be interpreted as gender-neutral. Similarly, words in the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified.
  • “Indexing and Abstracting” is the process of including published articles in recognized academic databases for wider visibility, accessibility, and citation tracking.
  • “Information” includes data, message, text, images, sound, voice, codes, computer programs, software and databases or microfilm or computer-generated microfiche;
  • “Interpretation of Undefined Terms”, Any terms not explicitly defined in this document shall be interpreted and understood as per the applicable laws in force, including but not limited to the Indian Contract Act, 1872, Information Technology Act, 2000, and University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations.
  • “ISSN”, The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a unique identifier assigned to serial publications, including journals, for indexing and tracking purposes.
  • “Journal”, “The Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal (VTIMLJ)” refers to the official scholarly publication that facilitates academic research, peer-reviewed articles, and legal discourse.
  • “License and Distribution Rights” is The terms under which the published content may be used, shared, or modified, specifying whether the work falls under an Open Access Creative Commons license or other distribution models.
  • “Open Access” is a publishing model in which research is made freely available online, ensuring unrestricted access for readers worldwide under the journal’s licensing terms.
  • “Opinion” is any view, judgment, or interpretation expressed by an author, peer reviewer, or editorial member, which does not necessarily represent the official stance of the journal.
  • “Original and Unpublished Work” is a manuscript that has not been previously published in any form (print or digital) and is not under consideration elsewhere. Original Content that is the author’s own intellectual creation, free from plagiarism or unauthorized use of third-party materials. Own Work that has not been copied, adapted, or derived from another source without proper acknowledgment.
  • “Peer Reviewer” is an expert in the relevant field who evaluates a manuscript’s quality, accuracy, and contribution to scholarship before publication, ensuring an unbiased and rigorous review process.
  • “Personal Data” means any information that identifies an individual, including but not limited to name, contact details, institutional affiliation, and other personal identifiers, as per applicable data protection laws.
  • “Plagiarism” means the practice of taking someone else’s work or idea and passing them as one’s own as defined under University Grants Commission (Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2018.
  • “Privacy Policy” means the journal’s commitment to protecting the personal and professional information of authors, reviewers, and readers.
  • “Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement” is a formal declaration outlining the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, and reviewers in accordance with international publishing standards.
  • “Researcher “ refers to a person conducting academic / scientific research
  • “Retraction” is the formal process of removing a published article due to ethical violations, fraud, plagiarism, or errors that affect the validity of the work.
  • “Manuscript” includes research paper, thesis, dissertation, chapters in books, full-fledged books and any other similar work, submitted for assessment / opinion leading to the publication in print or electronic media by students or faculty or researcher or staff however, this shall exclude assignments / term papers / project reports / course work / essays and answer scripts etc.;
  • “Withdrawal Policy” is the rules and conditions under which an author may withdraw a submitted or published manuscript.
  • “Year” refers to a period of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year) as per the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and other relevant statutes in force.

7. Open Access

All research articles published in the journal are fully open access, ensuring they are immediately and freely available for reading, downloading, and sharing. Articles are licensed under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which allows for use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided proper credit is given to the original author(s) and Journal.

8. Permitted Usage

Articles can be accessed directly on the journal’s website, downloaded, printed, and shared for research, educational, and non-commercial purposes.

9. Licensing and Copyright

All articles published in the journal are made available under a Creative Commons Attribution license, which allows anyone to read, reuse, and share the articles as long as they give proper credit to the authors.

10. Scope of Publication

The journal publishes including but not limited to articles, research papers, case studies, and essays contributing to law, policy, and interdisciplinary studies with a legal focus. Submissions must address contemporary legal and social issues with a focus on legal perspectives. The decision of the editorial board is final and binding.

11. Eligibility of Authors

Submissions to the Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal are welcome from students, academicians, professionals, interdisciplinary scholars, and researchers worldwide. We also encourage collaborative submissions authored by individuals from diverse fields, as long as they align with the scope of the journal. Authors are invited to contribute original, insightful works that address contemporary legal issues and offer interdisciplinary perspectives.

12. Publication on Invitation

The journal may invite distinguished scholars, legal experts, and policymakers to contribute articles, commentaries, or editorial pieces on pressing legal issues. Such invited contributions must comply with the journal’s academic and ethical standards and undergo review as per the journal policy. Authors invited by the journal may be eligible for a full or partial waiver of the publication fee as a recognition of their contribution to the field. The availability of scholarships is subject to the journal’s discretion and funding availability.

13. Collaboration with Students During Internships

The journal actively promotes mentorship and scholarly collaboration between legal professionals and students. During internships with the journal, students may collaborate with senior professionals and academicians to co-author articles on contemporary legal issues. Such collaborations must adhere to academic integrity standards, ensuring that student interns receive due credit for their contributions.

Interns engaging in research-based collaboration may also receive publication fee waivers, subject to approval by the Editorial Board.

14. Peer Reviewers

To ensure academic excellence and subject-matter expertise, individuals eligible to serve as peer reviewers must meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A Ph.D. in Law or a related field is preferred; however, candidates with a Master’s degree (LL.M.) in law and significant experience may also be considered.
  • Domain Expertise: Must have substantial expertise in the subject area of the manuscript under review.
  • Professional Experience: Must have at least 5+ years of experience in legal research, academia, or legal practice relevant to the journal’s focus.
  • Impartiality and Confidentiality: Must ensure fairness, objectivity, and confidentiality throughout the review process.
  • Approval Requirement: Appointment as a peer reviewer is subject to the approval of the Editorial Board.

15. Editors

Editors play a critical role in upholding the journal’s academic and ethical standards and must meet the following requirements:

  • Educational Qualification: A Ph.D. in Law or a related field is preferred; however, a Master’s degree (LL.M.) with substantial editorial or research experience is also acceptable.
  • Editorial or Research Experience: Must have prior experience in legal research, academic publishing, or editorial management.
  • Decision-Making Authority: Responsible for finalizing manuscript selections, overseeing the peer review process, and ensuring adherence to the journal’s ethical guidelines.
  • Conflict of Interest Management: Must disclose any potential conflicts of interest before handling a manuscript.
  • Appointment Process: Editors are appointed by the Editorial Board based on qualifications, contributions to the field, and commitment to academic integrity.

16. Student Editors

Student editors support the editorial process and must meet the following criteria:

  • Educational Status: Must be currently enrolled in a law degree program (LL.B. or LL.M.) at a recognized university.
  • Academic Excellence: Must demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills with a proven academic record.
  • Editorial Skills: Must be familiar with citation styles, legal editing, and formatting requirements.
  • Confidentiality and Integrity: Must maintain confidentiality regarding unpublished manuscripts and adhere to ethical editorial practices.
  • Term and Appointment: Student editors are selected through a competitive process and serve for a fixed term, as determined by the Editorial Board.

17. Authors and Co-Authors

A maximum of three authors is allowed per submission.

18. Liability of Authors

The author(s) shall bear sole responsibility for the accuracy of all facts, opinions, data, or legal references included in their submitted work. The journal, its editors, and publishers shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the content of the submission.

19. Author’s Responsibility

Authors must attest that their works are original and their own work. The authors must certify that the work has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. If external sources are used, proper citation and acknowledgment of those works must be provided.

20. Author’s Acknowledgment of Funding

Authors are required to acknowledge any sources of funding or financial support for their research in the manuscript. This includes research grants, sponsorships, or institutional funding that contributed to the creation of the work.

21. Author Support and Resources

The journal will offer resources to authors, including guidelines for article writing, submission tips, and information on publishing ethics, however this is not guarantee or assurance of publication. These resources aim to assist authors in preparing high-quality manuscripts and ensure the integrity and quality of submissions.

22. Duplicate Submission Policy

The journal does not accept duplicate submissions. Authors must confirm that their manuscript is not under consideration for publication by any other journal or publisher. If it is discovered that a manuscript has been submitted to multiple journals simultaneously, it will be withdrawn from the review process.

23. Right to Withdraw

Authors may withdraw their submitted article at any time prior to the final acceptance for publication by providing written notice to the editorial office before 03 (three) working day from the scheduled date of publication. To initiate a withdrawal, the author(s) shall Submit a written request via email with the subject line: “Withdrawal Request – [Article Title].” along with Reason for withdrawal. For joint authored publication, the journal will require written communication from each author before proceeding with the withdrawal process.

24. Withdrawal and Rejection by Journal

In cases of identified ethical or legal violations, the editorial board reserves the right to reject submissions at any stage. Published articles found to contain inaccuracies or violations may be retracted with a published notice. Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to their submissions.

25. Indemnification

The author(s) agree to indemnify and hold harmless the journal, its editors, and publishers from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of or in connection with:

  • Allegations of defamation, plagiarism, copyright infringement, or other legal disputes related to the submission.
  • Breach of any warranties or representations made by the author(s) concerning the originality or accuracy of the submitted content.
  • Any other claim that is made with reference to published/under-review/submitted article.

26. Obligation to Notify

The author(s) shall promptly notify the journal of any claims, disputes, or legal proceedings related to their submission and cooperate fully with the journal in responding to such matters.

27. Conflict of Interest

Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to the content of their submission. This includes financial interests, professional relationships, or any other situations that may affect the impartiality of their work. Failure to disclose a conflict of interest may result in rejection of the submission.

28. Manuscript Submission Platform

All manuscripts must be submitted through the journal’s designated online submission platform. Any submissions made outside of this platform will not be considered for review or publication. Authors must ensure that their manuscripts comply with the journal’s formatting requirements.

29. Manuscript Submission & Review Process

Submission of Manuscript: Rolling Basis

Authors can submit their work at any time through the journal’s submission portal.

  • Initial Screening & Plagiarism Check: 1 Working Day

The Editorial Team will check the submission for scope, formatting, and originality (plagiarism check). The results will be communicated to the authors.

  • Plagiarism Revision Limit: 3 Times

If plagiarism is detected, authors will have up to three opportunities to revise and resubmit their manuscript. Failure to meet the plagiarism standards after the third attempt will result in rejection.

  • Peer Review Process: 2 Working Days

A double-blind peer review is conducted, and feedback is provided to the author.

  • Revisions (if required): 5 Working Days

Authors must submit revised manuscripts based on reviewer/editorial feedback within the given timeframe.

  • Revision Limit: 3 Times

Authors can revise their manuscript up to three times before a final decision is made.

  • Withdrawal Deadline: 3 Days Before Scheduled Publication

Authors may withdraw their manuscript up to three working days before the scheduled publication date. After this deadline, withdrawal requests will not be accepted.

  • Total Processing Limit: 45 Days from Submission

The entire review and decision process must be completed within 45 days from the date of submission. If an extension is required, the author must request it via email in writing. If an extension is not granted, the manuscript will be deemed rejected.

  • Final Decision & Acceptance Notification: 1 Working Day

The Editorial Board makes the final decision on acceptance or rejection and informs the author.

  • Publication & Indexing: Next Scheduled Issue

Accepted articles will be published online and indexed in relevant databases as per the journal’s publication schedule.

  • If the 45-Day Processing Limit Expires Between Final Decision and Publication:

If the final decision is made within the 45-day limit but publication is scheduled after the 45-day period, the manuscript will remain accepted and will be published in the immediate next available issue.

30. Language and Manuscript Formatting

To ensure clarity and consistency, authors must adhere to the journal’s specified formatting guidelines for manuscript submission. This includes following appropriate language conventions, citation styles, and document formatting rules, as detailed in the submission guidelines.

  • Word Count

Article on existing law/Bill/Proposal Review– less than 5000 words

Case comments– less than 5000 words

Book Review– less than 5000 words

Long Article – 8000 to 10000 words

Short Article – 6000 to 8500 words

Interview – less than 5000 words

All the above-mentioned word counts are inclusive of footnotes.

  • Formatting Requirements

Submissions must adhere to the following formatting guidelines:

  • Font: Times New Roman, Size: 12 pt
  • Font type and size of the footnotes must be Times Roman, 10.
  • Line Spacing: 1.5
  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides
  • Citations: Use the Bluebook 21st Edition or an equivalent citation style consistently throughout the manuscript.
  • Abstract: Each submission should be accompanied by an abstract of not more than 300 words and five keywords
  • Manuscripts must be in MS-Word (doc./docx.) format.
  • Figures and Images: Figures should be of high quality (1200 dpi for line art, 600 dpi for grayscale, and 300 dpi for color) and supplied in one of the following formats: EPS, PS, JPEG, TIFF. Figures drawn in MS Word (DOC or DOCX) are acceptable.

Template can be downloaded from here

31. Original and Unpublished Work

Submissions must be original, unpublished, and not submitted for review or publication elsewhere. Plagiarized content or work generated entirely by artificial intelligence tools will be rejected. AI tools may be used only for assistance, provided proper disclosure is made.

32. Presentation of Opinions

Opinions presented in submissions must be clearly identified as opinions and not stated as facts. Authors are encouraged to back their arguments with credible references to enhance academic value.

33. Prohibited Content

Submissions must not contain any racist, sexist, political, defamatory, or inflammatory content. Submissions should avoid any personal attacks or biased statements. The content submitted to the journal must be free from unfounded or defamatory allegations, and avoid accusations based solely on unverified sources such as newspaper reports. The tone should be academic, not polemical, and any hate speech, including but not limited to racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, or homophobic language, will not be published.

34. Peer reviewer

The reviewer’s primary role is to ensure that the work meets the required standards for publication in terms of methodology, originality, clarity, and contribution to the field. Peer reviewers provide constructive feedback, which may include suggestions for revision or improvements, and they help maintain the credibility and academic rigor of the publication.

35. Editorial board

The Editorial Board typically sets the direction, policies, and standards for the publication, as well as makes final decisions on the acceptance or rejection of submitted works. The members of the Editorial Board often include editors, associate editors, and other key figures who manage the peer review process, guide content strategy, and ensure the publication’s adherence to high-quality editorial practices.

36. Recognition and Rewards for Peer Reviewers

The journal may recognize and reward exceptional reviewers for their contributions to the peer review process. This recognition could include certificates, acknowledgments in the journal’s annual report, or other forms of monetary and non-monetary appreciation for their time and effort in maintaining high academic standards.

37. Review Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on the following parameters:

  • Originality: The work must contribute unique perspectives, arguments, or findings to the field.
  • Clarity: The submission must present ideas clearly, concisely, and in a structured manner.
  • Relevance: Content must align with the scope and objectives of the journal.
  • Legal Rigor: Articles must demonstrate thorough legal research, analysis, and sound argumentation.
  • Copyright Compliance: Submissions must respect intellectual property rights and must not contain unauthorized reproductions or uncredited material.
  • Plagiarism and AI Use: Plagiarism shall be limited as per the norms prescribed by the University Grants Commission under Section 08 of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2018. Any violation shall attract penalties as stipulated under Clause 12.2 of the said regulations. Any use of AI tools must be disclosed, detailing their role in the creation or development of the manuscript.

38. Scoring During Review

Articles will be evaluated using a rubric that considers originality, relevance, clarity, legal rigor, and adherence to formatting guidelines. Final acceptance will be determined by cumulative scores and reviewer recommendations.

39. Editorial Discretion

The journal reserves full editorial discretion over the acceptance, rejection, modification, or publication of submitted works. Acceptance of an article does not imply endorsement of the opinions or statements expressed therein. Editors may request revisions, and articles may be returned to authors for further development.

40. Editorial Unbiasedness

The editorial team evaluates submissions solely on the basis of academic and intellectual merit, without bias towards race, gender, religion, or political affiliations.

41. Confidentiality

Editors and reviewers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements. Submissions will not be shared, discussed, or used for any purpose outside the review process. All submission-related information will be stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel.

42. Feedback and Revisions

Authors may receive detailed Constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Revised submissions must be resubmitted within the stipulated timeline, addressing all feedback provided. Failure to meet revision requirements or timelines may result in the rejection of the submission.

43. Editorial Modifications

The journal reserves the right to make minor editorial changes to the article, including alterations for formatting, clarity, and style, while maintaining the substance of the work.

44. Ethics Statement

Authors must comply with the journal’s ethical guidelines, including proper citation, acknowledgment of sources, and disclosure of conflicts of interest. The editorial board maintains a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism, fabricated data, or unethical research practices.

45. Decision and Communication

Upon review, authors will be notified of the editorial decision:

  • Accepted: The manuscript has been accepted for publication without further revisions.
  • Minor Revisions: The manuscript requires minor adjustments, which should be made promptly.
  • Major Revisions: Substantial changes or further work are needed before the manuscript is reconsidered for publication.
  • Rejected: The manuscript does not meet the necessary criteria for publication.
    Authors will be informed of the decision along with feedback, if applicable, within a reasonable review period.

46. Appeals Process

Authors may appeal editorial decisions in writing, providing valid and substantiated reasoning. Appeals will be reviewed by a designated committee, whose decision will be final.

47. Criteria for publication

  • The manuscript should be academically enriching
  • The content should be own and original.
  • Plagiarism more than 10% will not be tolerated.
  • The content should not have unproven allegations, defamatory content, hurt religious or political beliefs.
  • Opinion should be framed as opinion and fact as fact.
  • Hate language including but not limited to racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic speech will not be published. This includes the use of stereotypes and racial tropes and the denial of historical events.
  • The decision of the editorial board shall be final and biding.

48. Review

All submitted articles will be double blind reviewed. Acceptance of articles is subject to recommendation by the review panel and subsequent acceptance by the editor. The Editorial Board is in charge of deciding which of the articles submitted to the journal should be published.

49. Indexing and Visibility

Published articles are indexed in Google Scholar and other academic databases as and how indexed, with a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) assigned for easy access and citation.

50. Acknowledgment of Contributions

Authors will receive a Publication Certificate recognizing their contribution. Published authors will receive professional acknowledgment via social media tags and visibility on the journal’s platform and other benefits as and how updated in the website of the journal.

51. Article Processing Charges

The Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal charges a nominal publication fee to cover the administrative and operational costs associated with the publication process:

    • Single Author: ₹800/-
    • Co-Authors (Up to 3): ₹1,500

52. Article Processing Charges Modification Clause

The Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal reserves the right to modify the publication fees at its sole discretion without requiring prior approval from authors. The journal is not bound to provide individual notifications regarding fee changes but will update the revised fee structure on its official website.

53. Scholarship in Article Processing Charges

Fee waivers or discounts may be offered for outstanding submissions at the editorial board’s discretion. Payment details and deadlines will be provided upon manuscript acceptance.

54. Withdrawal Deadline

A request for withdrawal must be made in writing via email at least three (03) working days before the scheduled publication. Any request submitted later than this deadline will not be accepted, and no refund will be issued.

55. Refund Policy

If a submission is withdrawn within the permissible period, 50% of the fees will be refunded. The remaining amount will be retained to cover administrative and processing costs. Refunds will be processed within 7-10 working days from the date of approval of the withdrawal request.

56. Refund Request Procedure

Authors must submit a formal refund request via email, providing the article title, submission ID, and a clear reason for the request. Refund requests, if approved, will be processed within 30 business days from the date of written request via email.

57. Article Processing Charges Refund:

Fees paid for the submission, review, and publication processes are non-refundable except as explicitly provided in this clause. Refund requests will be considered only under the following circumstances:

  • Post-Submission but Pre-Acceptance Stage: If the author withdraws their article after the peer review process has commenced but prior to final acceptance, 50% of the paid fees will be refunded. The remaining 50% will be retained to cover costs associated with the review process.
  • Post-Acceptance Stage: No refund will be provided if the author withdraws their article after it has been accepted for publication. Fees at this stage are fully non-refundable due to publication preparation costs. If the journal withdraws or retract the article on the ground of errors, ethical violations, or legal issues after publication, no refund will be made.
  • Non-Submission of Article After Corrections or Reviews: If the author fails to submit the revised article following suggested corrections or reviews as per defined timeline, no refund will be granted.

58. Non-Refundable Charges

Transaction fees and applicable taxes are non-refundable under any circumstances. If any discount, promotional offer, or coupon was applied at the time of payment, the refund will be calculated based on the actual amount paid and not the original price.

59. Mode of Refund

Refunds will be issued via the original payment method used during the transaction. If the original payment method is unavailable, the refund will be processed through an alternative method as agreed upon by both parties.

60. Exceptional Cases

In cases of technical errors or duplicate payments, a full refund may be granted upon verification. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing, along with supporting documentation, for review.

61. Copyright Ownership

The journal retains full copyright over all published articles. By submitting an article for publication, the author(s) transfer exclusive rights to the journal, granting it the authority to republish, distribute, and reproduce the work in any format (print, digital, or otherwise) across all platforms and media.

62. Moral Rights of Authors

While the journal holds copyright, the author(s) retain their moral rights, including:

  • Right to Attribution: The journal will ensure proper credit is given to the author(s) in all formats of publication.
  • Right to Integrity: The content of the article shall not be altered in a way that misrepresents the author’s original intent.

63. Rights Granted

By publishing with the journal, the author(s) and copyright holder(s), Grant all users a free, irrevocable, worldwide, and perpetual license to: Access the work without restriction, Copy, use, distribute, transmit, and publicly display the work, Create and share derivative works in any digital format, provided proper attribution is given and permit the production of a limited number of printed copies for personal use.

64. Exclusive License to Distribute

Upon acceptance of the article, the author(s) agree to grant the journal exclusive publication rights. Upon acceptance, the author(s) grant the journal an exclusive, worldwide, perpetual right to distribute the article across multiple platforms, databases, and repositories to maximize dissemination across all platforms and media, without the prior consent of the author(s).

65. Credit and Attribution

The journal will ensure that proper credit is attributed to the author(s) for their work in all formats of publication, both online and offline.

66. Limited Author Use Rights

After publication, author(s) may use their article for personal, academic, or professional purposes, provided they Properly cite the journal as the original publisher and do not engage in commercial exploitation of the article without the journal’s consent.

67. Promotion of Published Articles

The journal reserves the right to promote published articles through its website, social media platforms, and academic networks. Authors may also promote their work through their personal or institutional channels, provided they include a citation of the journal.

68. Attribution Requirements

All uses of the work must include appropriate acknowledgment of the authorship, along with a citation to the original publication. This policy ensures the broad dissemination of knowledge while respecting the intellectual contributions of the authors.

69. Accessibility and Compliance with Standards

The journal will ensure that all published content is accessible to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the accessibility standards for digital content. This includes providing alternate formats and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and guidelines on accessibility.

70. Use of Personal Data

The Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal (VTIMLJ) collects and processes personal data solely for the purpose of managing the submission, peer review, and publication process. All data will be handled in compliance with applicable data protection laws and the journal’s privacy policy.

71. Types of Data Collected

The journal may collect the following information from authors, reviewers, and editorial board members:

  • Personal Details: Name, affiliation, email address, and contact details.
  • Manuscript Information: Submitted research papers, revisions, and related documents.
  • Financial Information: Payment details for processing publication fees (secured and confidential).
  • Technical Data: IP addresses, login information, and interactions with the journal’s website for security and analytics purposes.

72. Legal Basis for Processing Data

VTIMLJ processes data based on:

  • Consent: When users voluntarily submit information (e.g., manuscript submission).
  • Contractual Necessity: To manage peer review and publication.
  • Legitimate Interest: Ensuring journal security, indexing, and operational efficiency.
  • Legal Obligations: Complying with data protection laws and regulatory requirements.

73. Data Usage and Processing

Personal data will be used only for journal-related operations, including manuscript tracking, peer review, correspondence, and indexing. Data may be used to generate anonymized statistical reports for journal improvement but will never be shared with unauthorized third parties. Authors may be required to provide their explicit consent for data usage in accordance with legal requirements.

74. Data Sharing and Confidentiality

Personal data will not be sold, shared, or disclosed to third parties without prior consent, except when required by law and for working of journals. Reviewers and editorial members are obligated to maintain confidentiality regarding manuscript details and author identities.

75. Data Security and Retention

The journal implements industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect collected data. Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill publication and archival requirements. Authors may request access to, correction, or deletion of their personal data in compliance with applicable laws.

76. Security Measures

The journal employs the following security measures:

  • Encryption & Secure Storage: Personal data is encrypted and stored on secure servers.
  • Access Control: Only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.
  • Data Backup: Regular backups prevent data loss from technical failures.
  • Incident Response Plan: Protocols in place for reporting and managing data breaches.

77. Use of Recorded Media for Wider Reach

VTIMLJ may record and publish video or audio content derived from published articles for broader dissemination. These recordings may include webinars, podcasts, or narrated summaries to enhance accessibility. Due credit shall always be provided to the original author(s), ensuring proper attribution in all formats.

78. Compliance with Data Protection Laws

The Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal (VTIMLJ) is committed to safeguarding personal data and ensuring compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU Regulation 2016/679) and Any other applicable national and international data protection laws.

79. User Rights Under GDPR and DPDPA

Authors, reviewers, and contributors have the following rights regarding their personal data:

  • Right to Access: Obtain a copy of their stored personal data.
  • Right to Rectification: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure (“Right to be Forgotten”): Request deletion of personal data when it is no longer necessary for journal operations.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Limit the use of their personal data in specific circumstances.
  • Right to Data Portability: Receive their data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Right to Object: Refuse processing of their data for purposes beyond journal operations.

For any data-related inquiries, corrections, or deletion requests, users may contact the journal’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) at [Insert Contact Email].

80. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

VTIMLJ is committed to addressing data privacy concerns promptly. Any inquiries, concerns, or complaints related to data protection can be directed to the Data Protection Officer (DPO):

Contact Email: [Insert Email Address]

Helpline: [Insert Phone Number]

Mailing Address: [Insert Office Address]

Complaints regarding data privacy violations will be reviewed and addressed within 30 business days in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

81. Scope

The referral policy aims to foster research and academic contributions by encouraging individuals to submit quality articles. It also serves to incentivize skill development and learning by allowing referrers to redeem their earned Academic Credits (AC) for courses at the Indian Institute of Industrial and Professional Studies or as monetary rewards.

82. Eligibility for Referral

The referrer must have at least one article published before becoming eligible to refer others.

83. Referral Benefits

Eligible referrers can refer new article submissions to our platform. For every successful referral, the referrer will earn 100 Academic Credits (AC) as a reward.

84. Academic Credits (AC) & Redemption

Personal

  • 1 AC = ₹1 (if redeemed for cash).

If cashed, Academic Credits will be disbursed within 30 days from the referred article’s publication date.

  • 1 AC = ₹2 (if used to purchase a course from the Indian Institute of Industrial and Professional Studies).

If redeemed for a course, the course will be assigned within 03 working days from the intimation of course selection.

data will be used only for journal-related operations, including manuscript tracking, peer review, correspondence, and indexing. Data may be used to generate anonymized statistical reports for journal improvement but will never be shared with unauthorized third parties. Authors may be required to provide their explicit consent for data usage in accordance with legal requirements.

85. Redemption Limits

  • Cash Redemption: ACs can be converted into cash, but the maximum redemption limit is ₹1500.
  • Course Redemption: ACs can be used to purchase courses at the Indian Institute of Industrial and Professional Studies, with no limit on redemption.

86. Terms and Conditions

  • The 100 AC points will be credited only for the first article published by the referred individual.
  • The referred individual (referee) must acknowledge the referral.
  • The referred article must meet the quality standards and publication criteria set by our editorial team.
  • ACs will only be awarded once the referred article is accepted and published.
  • If the referred article is withdrawn before publication, AC points will not be credited.
  • ACs cannot be transferred to another individual or account.
  • ACs have a validity period of 12 months from the date of issue.
  • Any misuse of the referral system, including fraudulent or duplicate submissions, will result in disqualification and forfeiture of accumulated credits.
  • The organization reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate this referral program at any time without prior notice.
  • The referee must maintain confidentiality regarding any details related to the publication, draft, editorial process, or any other internal information they receive. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disqualification from the referral program and potential further action.
  • The Academic credits, if cashed will be disbursed within 30 days of the referred article’s publication date and course will be assigned within 03 working days of intimation of the course selection.
  • There is no limit to the number of authors you can refer, and subsequently, no limit to the Academic Credit.
  • For any queries related to the referral program, please contact our support team.

87. Plagiarism Index

Submissions must have a plagiarism index below 10%, excluding references and properly quoted material. Authors must guarantee that their work is free from copyright violations and unauthorized reproductions. Plagiarism shall be limited as per the norms prescribed by the University Grants Commission under Section 08 of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2018. Any violation shall attract penalties as stipulated under Clause 12.2 of the said regulations.

88. Plagiarism and AI Use

Plagiarism shall be limited as per the norms prescribed by the University Grants Commission under Section 08 of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2018. Any violation shall attract penalties as stipulated under Clause 12.2 of the said regulations. Any use of AI tools must be disclosed, detailing their role in the creation or development of the manuscript.

89. Clarification on AI Usage

Specify whether AI-generated content is permitted only for research assistance (e.g., summarization, grammar checks) or if it can contribute to substantive writing. Require authors to declare the AI tool used and its purpose in a separate section of the manuscript.

90. Consequences for AI Misuse

Mention that undisclosed AI-generated content will be treated as a violation of academic integrity. State possible penalties, such as rejection of the manuscript or a ban on future submissions.

91. Self-Plagiarism Clause

Define what constitutes self-plagiarism (e.g., republishing one’s previous work without citation). State that overlapping content from the author’s prior publications should not exceed a specific percentage (e.g., 10%).

92. Ethics Review for AI-Assisted Research

Manuscripts that incorporate AI-generated content, machine learning models, or automated decision-making must comply with ethical research guidelines.

Authors must ensure that AI usage, does not misrepresent research findings, maintains data privacy and confidentiality and adheres to fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI-assisted work.

The editorial board reserves the right to conduct an ethics review for AI-assisted research and may seek additional clarifications before publication.

93. Purpose

The journal is committed to ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of all published articles. This policy outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the journal and the authors regarding digital archiving and self-archiving.

94. Digital Archiving and Preservation

A full archival copy of all published articles is deposited in electronic format for long-term preservation and accessibility.

95. Content Coverage

The archive includes All published articles (past and present), Editorials, reviews, and supplementary materials and Metadata and associated content, including DOI assignments.

96. Access to Archived Content

Archived content will remain freely accessible through the journal’s website. If the journal website becomes unavailable, content can be accessed through DOI, Google Scholor or other associated repositories.

97. Self-Archiving Policy

The journal follows a Green Open Access policy, allowing authors to self-archive  the final published version on their personal blogs, academic websites, or institutional repositories with proper citation of the original publication. Authors may archive the published version in open-access repositories such as Academia.edu, ResearchGate, or institutional repositories, provided they adhere to non-commercial use. Any self-archived version must include proper attribution to the journal as the original source.

98. Data Migration and Disclaimer

In case of data migration to another repository, author consent is implied for continued accessibility. he journal does not guarantee perpetual data availability in cases of repository failures, third-party service interruptions, or technical issues.

99. Monitoring and Updates

The journal periodically reviews and updates its archiving systems to ensure alignment with evolving technological and preservation standards.

100. Governing Law and Authorities

This journal and all related policies, agreements, and disputes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

101. Jurisdiction

Regardless of the nationality or residence of the author(s), any disputes arising out of or in connection with the publication, licensing, or any other matter related to the journal shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Bengaluru, India

102. Ethics Statement

The Virtual Times International Multidisciplinary Law Journal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ethics in academic publishing.

  • Conflict of Interest: The publication fee will not influence editorial decisions. Submissions are evaluated solely based on academic merit and relevance.
  • Ethical Use of Funds: Publication fees are used exclusively for journal-related activities, including editorial management, DOI registration, indexing, and technological infrastructure.
  • No Compromise on Quality: The journal does not endorse “pay-to-publish” practices. Every submission undergoes rigorous peer review, and payment does not guarantee publication.
  • Confidentiality: All financial transactions related to publication fees are handled with strict confidentiality.
  • Data Policy: Data Laws shall be complaint.

103. Journal's Disclaimer

The journal reserves the right to retract any published work found to contain errors, inaccuracies, or unlawful content, and such retraction shall not limit the journal’s right to seek indemnification from the author(s).

104. Withdrawal Implications and Data Retention

Upon confirmation of withdrawal by the editorial office, the article shall no longer be considered for publication, and the submission process will be deemed terminated. Repeated withdrawals by the author(s) may result in restrictions on future submissions to the journal. The journal reserves the right to retain all data, including the submitted article, correspondence, and reviewer comments, for record-keeping and archival purposes. Data related to withdrawn articles will be retained for a minimum of 12 months from the date of withdrawal, after which it may be deleted, subject to legal or regulatory requirements. Author(s) may request the removal of personal data at any point, but the journal reserves the right to retain necessary information for legal or business purposes.

105. Archiving and Indexing

VTIMLJ aims to be listed in leading scholarly repositories for increased research visibility.  The journal will archive all published articles for long-term access in compliance with open access policies and relevant archiving guidelines. The articles will be made accessible through digital libraries and academic databases. The journal will comply with relevant archiving standards and practices for scholarly publications.

106. Impact Factor and Metrics

The journal may seek to obtain an impact factor or other relevant academic metrics as part of its ongoing efforts to improve its visibility and reputation in the academic community. The journal will also explore options for indexing and inclusion in prominent legal and academic databases.

107. Collaboration with External Experts

The journal may collaborate with external experts, organizations, or research bodies to enhance the quality and relevance of the published articles. Such collaborations may include organizing special issues, workshops, or academic events related to legal research and practice.

108. Collaboration with Academic Institutions

The journal may collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations, and professional bodies to promote legal research, foster academic exchange, and enhance the visibility of the journal. Such collaborations will be disclosed to the public, and any funding or sponsorships arising from these collaborations will be transparently acknowledged.

109. Special Issues and Thematic Editions

The journal may publish special issues or thematic editions focused on particular legal topics or contemporary issues in the field of law. Guest editors may be invited to curate and oversee these special issues, and all submissions will undergo the same rigorous peer review process as regular submissions.

110. Translation of Articles

The journal may consider translating articles into multiple languages to enhance accessibility to a broader international audience.

111. Annual Report and Transparency

The journal will publish an annual report to inform authors, reviewers, and the academic community about its operations, including details about submissions, acceptance rates, and any changes in policy. This report will help maintain transparency and accountability.

112. Sustainability and Environmental Practices

The journal is committed to environmentally sustainable practices by minimizing paper usage and promoting digital access. Where physical copies are produced, the journal will prioritize sustainable materials and consider environmentally friendly publishing options.

113. Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

The journal operates with a non-discrimination policy, meaning authors and reviewers will not be judged based on gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or any other protected characteristic. The focus remains solely on the academic merit and relevance of the work.

114. Review and Update of Policies

The journal’s editorial policies will be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain relevant and effective in maintaining the quality and integrity of the publication process. All changes will be communicated to authors via the journal’s website.

115. No Waiver Clause

Failure or delay by the journal or its representatives to enforce any of the provisions of this policy shall not be deemed a waiver of its right to enforce such provisions or any other provisions in the future.

116. Disclaimer on Legal Advice

The journal publishes academic research and opinion pieces. It is important to note that articles published in the journal should not be construed as legal advice. Authors express their opinions, and while these opinions are informed by legal knowledge, they are not a substitute for professional legal counsel.

117. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising between the author(s) and the journal shall be resolved amicably within 30 working days from the date of receipt of issue via email. If resolution is not possible, the matter shall be referred to arbitration. The jurisdiction for the resolution of such disputes shall be in the courts of the jurisdiction where the journal is registered, unless otherwise agreed by both parties in writing.

118. Independent Relationship

The relationship between the author(s) and the journal is that of independent parties. Nothing in these guidelines or subsequent agreements shall create a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between the author(s) and the journal.

119. Entire Agreement

This policy represents the complete agreement between authors and the journal regarding submission, publication, and rights.

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