International Conference on Constitutional Crisis and Constitutionalism in South Asia 2026

International Conference on Constitutional Crisis in South Asia 2026

ORGANIZERS

• Faculty of Law, Tribhuvan University

• Faculty of Legal Studies, South Asian University

Date: 20th - 21st June, 2026

Venue: Kathmandu, Nepal

FACULTY OF LAW

Tribhuvan University (T.U.) was established in 1959 AD. The Faculty of Law is one of the oldest faculties of T.U., which was established in 1959 AD as an Institute of Law. However, the Law College was established in 1954 AD, offering LL.B courses with affiliation to Patna University, India.

In 1972, the Institute of Law prepared a 2-year comprehensive curriculum for the Certificate Level (CL) and a 3-year curriculum for the Diploma in Law (D.L.). After the establishment of T.U., the Law College came under the T.U. The Institute of Law was renamed as the Faculty of Law in 1974 AD.

FACULTY OF LEGAL STUDIES

The Faculty of Legal Studies at South Asian University aims for an analytical understanding of the subjects, systems, theories, and institutions in this field. Towards this end, the Faculty of Legal Studies has introduced the LL.M. Programme with an emphasis on international law. It is widely known that international law has become the common language of relations between states and other subjects.

Keeping this in view, the Programme is sensitive to the perspective of South Asian countries. It is believed that countries in the South Asian region could explore new areas of cooperation if the study of their common legal problems is pursued with greater commitment. To build a strong foundation for students' future research in the region, the Faculty focuses on key areas of international law within the LL.M. course structure.

About the Conference

Recent upheavals in Bangladesh and Nepal, and forceful constitutional amendments in Pakistan to make the Pakistani army more powerful and enable it to directly interfere in the government, have raised fundamental concerns about the presence of core characteristics of constitutionalism and the rule of law in the country. South Asia is not only defined in terms of common culture, practices, customs, values, and civilisations, but also shares to extent a cohesive political mainstream. People's supremacy and priority to larger public concerns are always seen as the government's motto.

The recent changes in the political setting, leading to the formation of an interim government, are challenging traditional power relations and authority, and legitimacy deeply rooted in political philosophy, and are often facing crises. The extent of political philosophy on constitutionalism is its difficulty with material applications, which has to be a subject of the new normal seen in recent crises.

The deep conviction rooted in the basic values and norms enshrined in most South Asian countries’ constitutions is the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law, with greater public supremacy and sovereignty. The basic consideration is the test of the presence or absence of features of constitutionalism and the embodiment of values in the constitution.

The political unrest led by Gen-Z in Nepal, with public support to some extent, is questioning the status quo of the political parties, excessive misuse of power, rampant corruption, nepo-kids, exclusion, marginalisation, suppression, injustice, bias, and many more problems associated with ruling traditional parties. The unrest is fundamentally linked to the problems seen in South Asia.

If South Asia shares civilizational linkages and common roots, can we really think and realise the common postulates of constitutionalism, irrespective of our constitutional development and principles, and their status of implementation in the context of recent political developments? This will be a major theme of the conference. The constitutional crisis and constitutionalism, and its values, are not only a theoretical construct but must be felt and exercised by people to the extent that they do not harm the concerns of others' constitutional philosophy. South Asian constitutional development is deeply connected, so any changes in one neighbour will have adverse and a sustainable impacts on others, which eventually require a common narrative on the perception of the values of constitutionalism and the rule of law while governing the governed across political ideologies and set-ups.

The legal, extra-legal and meta-legal values of constitutionalism also need to be revised and reviewed, addressing the major concerns about upheavals, so that the legitimacy and lawfulness of changes are properly recorded, systematically studied and accurately analysed. The deeply rooted political frustration with historical ruling mentalities has led to furious protests among Gen Z in Nepal, raising serious questions about the observance of the rule of law and constitutional principles. The grounded realities of all the major political aspirants are seen as ignoring factual concerns and treating governance merely as a tool of political bargaining and rule.

The multiple studies are carrying the faulty lines of constitutional doctrine, so that political lineages may still continue, which will be a disruption and may result in a constitutional volcano with no remedial appendages. The constitutional changes have to be a progressive and contextual, with more strength than weakness, as Nepal has been facing for decades. The average lifespan of the Nepali constitution is 10 years, which itself challenges the maturity and longevity of upholding the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law in the nation.

The so-called inclusion is turning into exclusion, as multiple political parties have recently submitted candidates in the proportional categories for Nepal's upcoming election. There are many aspects we have to re-examine and analyse if we are truly willing to have strong constitutional boots and a base grounded in universal values and principles, in the rule of law and constitutionalism.

The colonial development and post-colonial realities, with the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law, have been a broader discourse among academic circles, with greater emphasis and public perception. Democratic conditions and practices are more evident in the values and traditions we have inherited in the development of constitutional philosophy in response to major political changes across regions.

The government, from status quo to progression, and other associated characters are also seen in the changes for the political development in South Asia. The government and political parties are struggling to define their identities, gain public trust, and benefit the preservation and rule of law in the nation.

The public is much more frustrated and unhappy with the political developments and other concerns affecting the rule of law and constitutionalism.

This conference will analyse the following theme to understand the crisis in constitutionalism in South Asia amid recent changes in political realities. The ignorance of fundamental values and norms, and of the basics of constitutionalism, will also have an intergenerational impact, so there is a need to discuss, analyse and value such perspectives widely. The narratives on various aspects of constitutionalism need to be well analysed and critically reflected on, as they are essential for observing and focusing on its basic priorities and development. Political development is needed to achieve proper perfection and realities in the common aspects of constitutionalism in Asia.

Broader Thematic Area

• Gen-Z Protest and Challenges to Constitutionalism

• Political Realities and Rule of Law

• Exclusion and Inclusion Narratives in Constitutional Rulings

• Socialist and lIberal constitutionalism under crisis

• Traditional and Modern Constitutionalism and Rule of Law

• Public Perception and Historical Development in Governance

• Role of Security Forces in Government Toppling and Constitution-Making in South Asia

• Comparative Aspects of Constitutionalism of South Asia

• Challenges of Developing Countries’ Constitutionalism

• Human rights challenges and major issues in the recent constitutional order

• Global Norms of constitutionalism and development

• Constitutional Protection of Environmental Justice and Rights

Note: Research work on any other sub-themes aligned with the main theme and its objective may also be submitted.

About the theme

The theme of the International Conference “The Constitutional Crisis and Constitutionalism in South Asia” focuses on major recent developments and the chaos they have created in the region's fundamental principles of the rule of law and constitutionalism. The political development in a few years has spoken a lot about traditional patterns of governance and engagement with civic sense, as well as about multiple narratives of political parties' attitudes towards public priorities.

The conference will highlight major changes over recent decades and focus specically on the current generation, with emphasis on Gen-Z protests and related incidents. Speakers from across the region and the world will have the opportunity to discuss their countries' status regarding constitutional and constitutionalism crises, so that the rule of law prevails and people’s sovereignty prevails.

This conference seeks to provide a platform for academicians, legal scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and law researchers to engage in a critical examination of constitutional crisis and constitutionalism in South Asia. This is more than a mere political similarities and civilizational linkages of the region, so that even trouble in one affects others. It is time to think about the broader spectrum of the rule of law, constitutional values, shared norms of constitutionalism, and related issues. This conference will also touch on those important aspects of constitutionalism in South Asia.

Submission Guidelines

1. The paper should be based on original research work that has not been published yet or is under consideration.

2. A maximum of two authors are allowed per paper. But it is encouraged to apply individually.

3. The author must submit an abstract of 350 words with five keywords.

4. The abstract should clearly outline the title, the research problem, the methodology, and the key arguments/conclusions.

5. After the abstract is shortlisted, the author must submit a full paper of 5000-7000 words.

6. The participant shall submit the abstract only via the given Google Form link: https://forms.gle/s68CeEN3fF4wNiPk8 (Kindly do not send the abstract through email.) After acceptance of the abstract and payment of registration fees, participants will receive a separate Google link for submitting the full working paper.

7. The details provided during the registration process will be used for Certificate purposes. No request for change will be entertained later.

8. The submissions should be in Times New Roman Font size 12, Line spacing 1.5, and Bluebook 21st edition citation style only.

9. The cover page of the abstract and manuscript should include the name of the author/coauthor, affiliating institution, and contact details.

10. The selected paper shall be peer-reviewed and evaluated based on its originality.

11. Selected full papers after evaluation may be published in the peer-reviewed Tribhuvan University Law Journal or an international publication.

12. Payment details will be communicated to participants in due course after the abstracts have been shortlisted by the review committee.

13. The organising committee may offer online participation/presentation to international participants ONLY.

14. Accommodation may be provided at the request of the participant(s). Expenditure will be borne by the participant(s) only.

Important Dates

• Last date to submit Abstract of Research Paper: 28th February, 2026

• Notification of the acceptance of the Abstract for paper presentation: 7th March, 2026

• Last date of fee payment for participation/paper presentation: 10th April, 2026

• Submission of full working paper: 10th June, 2026

Registration Fees

• Nepalese Nationals of Tribhuvan University

  • Single Author: NPR 2000

  • Co-authorship: NPR 3000

• Nepalese Nationals of all Universities

  • Single Author: NPR 3000

  • Co-authorship: NPR 4000

• Nationals of South Asian Countries: $50

• Nationals of other Countries: $100

Register Here: https://forms.gle/s68CeEN3fF4wNiPk8

Patron of the Conference

• PROF. DEEPAK ARYAL, VICE CHANCELLOR, TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

• PROF. K. K. AGGARWAL, PRESIDENT, SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY

Organising Committee

CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE

• PROF. (DR.) D.N. PARAJULI, DEAN, FACULTY OF LAW, TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

• DR. VIJAY PRASAD JAYSHWAL, FACULTY OF LAW, TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

• DR. DAKSHA SHARMA, FACULTY OF LEGAL STUDIES, SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY

• MR. GYAN DARSHAN BHATTARAI, FACULTY OF LAW, TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

• DR. BALRAM PRASAD RAUT, FACULTY OF LEGAL STUDIES, SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY

Faculty Convenors

• Mr. Kesharmani Aryal (Assistant Dean)

• Dr. Newal Chaudhary (Assistant Dean)

• Dr. Shyam Bahadur Karki (Campus Chief)

• Dr. Ramesh Parajuli (Assistant Campus Chief)

• Mr. Tejman Shrestha (Assistant Campus Chief)

• Mrs. Bishnu Maya Bhusal ( Chief, Student Welfare Council)

• Mr. Kamal Raj Thapa (LL.M, Director)

• Mrs. Manisha Poudyal (Director, BA.LL.B)

• Dr. Kishwor Sapkota (Deputy-Director, BA.LL.B)

• Mr. Sanad Devkota (President, Teacher’s Association)

• Mr. Saroj Krishna Ghimire

• Mrs. Laxmi Sharma

• Mrs. Rukmani Maharjan

• Dr. Bishnu Bashyal

• Mrs. Roshani Poudyal

• Mr. Nabin Kumar Subba

• Mr. Saroj Kumar Giri

Contact Details

Official Address

Faculty of Law, Office of the Dean

Balkhu, Kathmandu, Nepal

P.O. Box: 19445

Phone: 977-15330516, 15326586

Email: facultyoflaw1234@gmail.com

• Dr. Balram Prasad Raut, South Asian University, +919931492195

• Dr. Vijay Prasad Jayshwal, Tribhuvan University, +977 986-0675231

folconference2026@gmail.com