RMLNLU International Legal Essay Competition

Stablecoins and Corporate Criminal Liability: Rethinking Responsibility in Cross-Border Financial Crimes

The rise of stablecoins has transformed the digital asset economy, enabling faster and cheaper cross-border transactions. However, their increasing use in white-collar crimes ranging from laundering ransomware proceeds to sanctions evasion raises pressing questions around accountability. Traditional doctrines of corporate criminal liability anchored in centralised structures and subjective mens rea, fall short when applied to decentralised systems. This essay explores the doctrinal gaps in corporate criminal liability as applied to stablecoin ecosystems, analyses regulatory responses across key jurisdictions (US, EU, UK and Asia-Pacific) and proposes a “chain-of-liability” model that shifts focus from intent to systemic compliance failures. The authors argue for the development of a consolidated legal regime in India to bridge fragmented oversight and align with global enforcement standards. Continue reading Stablecoins and Corporate Criminal Liability: Rethinking Responsibility in Cross-Border Financial Crimes

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FinTech Law, Securities

India’s Tokenisation Challenge: From Grey Zones to Clarity

Can blockchain-based representations of real-world assets be regulated under India’s existing securities law? This article analyses the scope of Section 2(h) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, arguing that tokenized assets should be classified according to their economic substance rather than their technological form. It further examines the jurisdictional and enforcement constraints confronting SEBI and proposes a principled regulatory framework for tokenized securities in India. Continue reading India’s Tokenisation Challenge: From Grey Zones to Clarity

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Call for Papers

Call for Papers by RMLNLU Law Review Volume XVII (2026-27)

About the Institute Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) is a public law school and a National Law University located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established as Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law Institute in 2005, and since then, has been providing undergraduate and post-graduate legal education. It ranks 15th among India’s law institutes in the 2021 edition of National Institutional … Continue reading Call for Papers by RMLNLU Law Review Volume XVII (2026-27)

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Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, Criminal Procedure and Evidence

Reframing Res Gestae: Towards a Narrow Hearsay Exception in BSA

The doctrine of res gestae was developed as a narrow exception to the hearsay rule. In Indian evidence law, however, its boundaries have gradually become blurred, with courts frequently conflating it with the broader rule governing facts forming part of the same transaction. In this article, the author analyses how this confusion has shaped judicial decisions, identifies the resulting doctrinal inconsistencies, and proposes a separate framework for the admissibility of spontaneous statements. Continue reading Reframing Res Gestae: Towards a Narrow Hearsay Exception in BSA

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Constitutional Law

Uncertain Sovereignty of Advisory Opinion: How Article 143 Views Alter Precedent Only by Replacing Per Incuriam Decisions

In this blog post, the authors examine the constitutional status of advisory opinions issued under Article 143 of the Constitution and their relationship with binding judicial precedent. They argue that while advisory opinions may influence future interpretation, they cannot overrule or modify existing Supreme Court judgments unless the earlier ruling is expressly found to be per incuriam. The article explores the limits of the Court’s advisory jurisdiction, the doctrine of precedent, and the implications for constitutional certainty, judicial discipline, and the separation of powers in India’s legal framework. Continue reading Uncertain Sovereignty of Advisory Opinion: How Article 143 Views Alter Precedent Only by Replacing Per Incuriam Decisions

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Intellectual Property, Technology Law

AI Voice Cloning in India: Rethinking Legal Frameworks Through a Harms-Based Lens

In this blog post, the author examines the emerging legal challenges posed by AI voice cloning in India and argues that existing legal frameworks remain fragmented and inadequate to address the diverse harms caused by synthetic voice technologies. Through a harms-based lens, the article analyses how unauthorised voice replication can result in reputational, economic, psychological, and democratic harms that are not fully captured by current protections under Indian law. The author argues that India’s fragmented legal framework creates uncertainty and advocates for a dedicated regulatory framework with stronger protections for vocal identity, clearer consent standards, and greater accountability to balance technological innovation with individual rights. Continue reading AI Voice Cloning in India: Rethinking Legal Frameworks Through a Harms-Based Lens

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RMLNLU International Legal Essay Competition

Control without Controllers: Forensic and Evidentiary Challenges in Regulating Phantom Boards in India

By: Mahi Agrawal INTRODUCTION Corporate fraud has evolved in sophistication over the past few decades, with perpetrators increasingly exploiting gaps in regulation and enforcement. Among the most troubling manifestations of this evolution is the emergence of “phantom boards,” a corporate structure that exist almost entirely on paper. Phantom boards are typically composed of dummy or nominee directors who hold titles and sign documents but wield … Continue reading Control without Controllers: Forensic and Evidentiary Challenges in Regulating Phantom Boards in India

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Aviation

Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part II)

In this blog series, the authors examine India’s aviation accident investigation framework, arguing that excessive administrative discretion and limited institutional independence undermine public confidence. Through a Comparative analysis of India with the frameworks of the U.S., Canada, and Australia, they advocate for an autonomous Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, transparent investigator appointments, parliamentary oversight, and stronger safeguards against external influence to align with international standards and ensure credible investigations. Continue reading Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part II)

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Aviation

Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part I)

In this blog series, the authors examine India’s aviation accident investigation framework, arguing that excessive administrative discretion and limited institutional independence undermine public confidence. Through a Comparative analysis of India with the frameworks of the U.S., Canada, and Australia, they advocate for an autonomous Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, transparent investigator appointments, parliamentary oversight, and stronger safeguards against external influence to align with international standards and ensure credible investigations. Continue reading Investigating the Investigator: The Need of Independence in India’s Aviation Accident Investigations (Part I)

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International Law, Posts

Capture, Control, and Consequences: Trump’s Venezuela Strike Through the Lens of International Law

In this article, the authors analyse the legality of the United States’ alleged military operation in Venezuela through the framework of public international law, examining questions of sovereignty, use of force, self-defence, and head of state immunity. By engaging with the UN Charter framework and relevant international jurisprudence, the authors argue that the absence of an armed attack or UN Security Council authorisation raises serious concerns regarding the legality of the intervention and the capture of a sitting head of state. The article further reflects on the broader implications of such unilateral action for the stability of the international legal order and the continuing tension between power and legality in the regulation of force between states. Continue reading Capture, Control, and Consequences: Trump’s Venezuela Strike Through the Lens of International Law

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