MNLU Mumbai: Annual International Symposium on Air and Space Law

The purpose of the Symposium is to bring together scholars from India and outside to interact, share ideas and build collegial networks which may facilitate dialogue and research collaborations. We hope that this forum will be widely used to bring together collaborators in various projects.

The Annual International Symposium on Air and Space Law 2023 will be held online.

About the Theme

Dispute settlement in air and space law refers to the process by which disputes between states, organizations, or individuals concerning air and space activities are resolved. The settlement of disputes in air and space law is governed by various international treaties, such as the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, the Outer Space Treaty, and the Liability Convention. These treaties establish procedures for the settlement of disputes, including diplomatic negotiations, mediation, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In addition, there are also ad-hoc tribunals and arbitral bodies that have been established to resolve specific disputes. The ultimate aim of dispute settlement in air and space law is to maintain the peace and stability of the international community while ensuring that the rights and interests of all parties are protected.

It is suggested that alternative dispute resolution has a significant role to play in resolving outer space disputes, particularly through the auspices of the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) framework, as well as via the adoption of mandatory arbitration and mediation referral powers involving private enterprises. The existence of international law, with its rights, rules and regulations is futile without an effective enforcement mechanism that provides a sufficient and adequate remedy.International space law is particularly significant in the evolution of international dispute settlement because it involves a consideration of issues from an international and interdisciplinary perspective. These issues range from policies of regional and international organizations; to juridical dispute settlement and global governance. In the field of aviation, rules for dispute settlement and actual caseshave been a regular feature both between states and between privateenterprises and private persons involved in aviation. The symposium aims to assess the working of dispute resolution mechanisms in international civil aviation as well as in the space sector.

Sub-themes of the symposium:

1. The role of International Court of Justice in resolving air and space law disputes
2. The role of Permanent Court of Arbitration in resolving air and space law disputes
3. Significance of treaty mandated mechanisms in resolving air and space law disputes
4. The impact of technological advancements on air and space law dispute resolution
5. The impact of air and space law disputes on international relations and peace
6. The future of air and space law dispute settlement and the development of new mechanisms
7. The role of domestic courts in resolving air and space law disputes
8. Antrix-Devas case: Lessons to be learnt for future course of air and space law dispute settlement

Call for papers

There will be 5 (or, exceptionally, 6) papers per panel to give presenters and discussants adequate time for a fruitful engagement. Those who are interested in presenting a paper on any of the abovethemes must submit an abstract of 300 words on or before 26 March2023.The authors of the abstracts selected for presentation will be informedby 30 March 2023. The selected authors will be contacted to submit their extended abstracts by 20 April 2023. Submission of the full paper would be presumed as unconditionalconsent of the author/s for a possible publication by the organizers.The papers will be selected on a competitive basis. Conference papersmay be published in the Indian Review of Air and Space Law.

Important Dates:

Abstract (300 words): 5 April 2023

Decision on abstract: 10 April 2023

Submission of extended abstracts: 20 April 2023

Date of the Conference: May 6, 2023

The conference will be held online. Registration is free and compulsory.

The Author/s are required to submit the abstract here: https://forms.gle/hUhrHjSeLY7uuR8x5

Registration link: https://forms.gle/wVT1QJ421p18H8RH9

About the Institutions

The Centre of Aviation and Space Laws (CASL) of the National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata is an academic Centre that intends to explore, analyse and critique the legal developments in the aviation, space and allied industries.

See more at caslnujs.in

Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai established the Centre for Research in Air & Space Law (CRASL) to engage in policy discourse as a forum for the exchange of ideas on the international law applicable to implementing international air and space law.

See more at crasl.in

Read more about the conference here: https://mnlumumbai.edu.in/pdf/NUJS%20MNLUM%20SASL.pdf

Contact Information

For inquiries, write to us at crasl@mnlumumbai.edu.in