Publication Ethical Policy

Indus Journal of Law and Social Sciences is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and integrity. We adhere to the principles outlined by leading organizations such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), striving to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in all aspects of the publishing process.

1. Authorship and Attribution:
Authors must ensure that all individuals who have made significant contributions to the research are acknowledged as co-authors and that those who have not participated in the research are not credited as authors. Any changes to authorship or author order must be approved by all parties involved and communicated to the editorial team.

2. Plagiarism and Originality:
Authors are required to submit original work that has not been published previously and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Plagiarism, including the use of verbatim text from other sources without proper citation, is strictly prohibited. All submitted manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using appropriate software.

3. Data Integrity and Fabrication:
Authors must ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data presented in their manuscripts. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data is considered unethical and will result in rejection of the manuscript or retraction of the published article. Authors should provide access to raw data if requested by the editorial team.

4. Conflicts of Interest:
Authors, reviewers, and editorial staff must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation or evaluation of the research. Conflicts of interest may include financial relationships, affiliations, or personal connections that could bias the decision-making process. Transparency is essential in maintaining the integrity of the peer review process.

5. Peer Review Process:
All submitted manuscripts undergo rigorous peer review by experts in the relevant field. Reviewers are selected based on their expertise, impartiality, and adherence to ethical standards. The peer review process is conducted confidentially, and reviewers are required to maintain confidentiality regarding the content of the manuscript.

6. Editorial Independence:
The editorial team of Indus Journal of Law and Social Sciences operates independently of any external influence, including commercial interests, funding sources, or personal relationships. Editorial decisions are based solely on the scientific merit, relevance, and quality of the submitted manuscripts.

7. Corrections and Retractions:
In the event of errors, inaccuracies, or ethical concerns identified in published articles, appropriate corrections or retractions will be issued according to established editorial policies. Authors, readers, and stakeholders will be notified promptly of any corrections or retractions, and the reasons for such actions will be clearly communicated.

8. Continuous Improvement:
We are committed to continuously reviewing and improving our publication ethics policies and practices in response to emerging ethical challenges and community feedback. By fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability, we aim to maintain the trust and credibility of Indus Journal of Law and Social Sciences within the academic community.