About the journal

India’s longest-running journal of criminology, published since 1973 by the Indian Society of Criminology and the Centre for Criminology and Victimology, National Law University Delhi.

ISSN
0974-7249
First published
1973
Frequency
Twice a year
January–June, July–December
Peer review
Double-blind
Access
Open access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Author charges
None

Language: English. Indexing: previously listed in UGC-CARE Group I.

Aims and scope

The journal is a forum for scholars, practitioners and policymakers working on crime, criminal behaviour, criminal justice and social policy.

It particularly encourages empirical research on the administration of criminal justice and comparative international studies, and welcomes contributions from universities, correctional services, social work organisations and forensic science laboratories.

Subject areas

  • Criminology
  • Victimology
  • Criminal justice administration
  • Penology and corrections
  • Crime psychology
  • Crime sociology
  • Crime biology
  • Social work
  • Technology in criminal justice
  • Comparative international studies

What we publish

  • Research articles7,000–8,000 words
  • Essays and theoretical papers5,000–6,000 words
  • Notes, comments and case studies3,000–4,000 words
  • Book reviews1,500–2,500 words

Full manuscript guidelines

Five decades of the journal

From its first issue in 1973 to an open-access journal at NLU Delhi.

  1. 1970

    A society is founded

    The Indian Society of Criminology is founded. Three years later it launches the journal.

  2. 1973

    Volume 1 is published

    The first issue opens with Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer’s “The Criminal Process and Legal Aid”.

  3. NLUD

    Partnership with NLU Delhi

    The Centre for Criminology and Victimology at National Law University Delhi joins as co-publisher, bringing regular publication and open access.

  4. 2023

    Golden Jubilee

    A special issue of twelve essays marks fifty years of the journal. Read the special issue

  5. 2026

    Volume 54

    The journal continues with two issues a year. Read the current issue

Published by

Indian Society of Criminology

Founded in 1970, the society launched the journal in 1973 and continues to co-publish it.

Centre for Criminology and Victimology, NLU Delhi

Co-manages the journal and supports its editorial office, publication and open access.

From the editor’s desk

Fifty years of the Indian Journal of Criminology: looking back and ahead

“The next fifty years beckon with new possibilities and challenges.”

Dear Readers and Contributors,

As we mark the golden jubilee of the Indian Journal of Criminology, it is a moment of profound reflection and jubilation. We not only commemorate our 50-year legacy but also celebrate the rich tapestry of scholarship that has been woven over these decades.

The journey of the Indian Journal of Criminology is a testament to the unwavering dedication and vision of its founders. Their pioneering efforts laid a robust foundation for a journal that has, over the years, earned an exemplary reputation, now proudly listed in the UGC Care List. This milestone is a tribute to their foresight and commitment.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the editorial boards of the past. Their diligence, expertise, and passion have been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the standard and reputation of our journal. Their contributions have been invaluable in shaping the discourse in the field of criminology, both within India and beyond.

A significant chapter in our journal’s history began with its association with the National Law University Delhi. This partnership has propelled the journal to new heights, ensuring consistency in publication and expanding its contribution to academic scholarship. The environment of academic rigour and intellectual curiosity at the National Law University Delhi has been a fertile ground for the journal’s growth and evolution.

As we stand at the threshold of the future, the next fifty years beckon with new possibilities and challenges. We embrace the potential offered by emerging technologies, envisioning a journal that continues to lead in the digital era. Global collaborations will be integral as we seek to broaden our perspectives and engage with the international criminological community.

As the dynamics of society undergo transformation, it becomes imperative for us to adapt our attention accordingly. The Indian Journal of Criminology strives to lead the way in tackling present-day challenges, while also making significant contributions to the ongoing discussion on crime and justice within a swiftly evolving global landscape. Our steadfast dedication to the advancement of knowledge remains resolute.

As we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Indian Journal of Criminology, it is with immense satisfaction and contemplation that I pause to retrospect upon the remarkable odyssey we have embarked upon during the preceding half-century. The journal’s heritage is intricately linked to the advancement of criminology in India and has exerted a crucial influence in moulding the dialogue pertaining to crime, justice, and societal conventions.

Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey.

Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai
Editor-in-Chief, Indian Journal of Criminology

Former editors

The editors who shaped the journal before its current Editor-in-Chief.

    Publish with the journal

    Submissions are open all year. There are no fees, and every article is free to read.

    Read the author guidelines Read the current issue