Complaints Policy

The Journal of South Asian Issues (JSAI) is committed to handling complaints and appeals fairly, promptly, transparently, and in accordance with appropriate publication-ethics principles.

Complaints and appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature, seriousness, and complexity of the matter.

Scope

This policy applies to concerns relating to the journal’s editorial, peer-review, publication, or ethical processes, including:

• Editorial procedures
• Peer-review conduct
• Publication ethics
• Conflicts of interest
• Confidentiality
• Allegations of misconduct
• Published content
• Corrections or retractions
• Editorial decisions and related appeals

Concerns that are unrelated to the journal’s editorial or publishing responsibilities may fall outside the scope of this policy.

How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted by email to:

editor@jsai.uk

The complaint should clearly identify:

• The nature of the concern
• The manuscript, article, decision, or process involved, where applicable
• The relevant facts and circumstances
• Any supporting evidence or documentation
• The outcome or clarification being requested

Complaints should be submitted in good faith and should contain sufficient information to allow the journal to assess the matter.

How Complaints Are Handled

The journal will acknowledge receipt of a complaint and will review the matter fairly and objectively.

Where appropriate, the journal may:

• Request additional information or documentation
• Consult relevant editors, reviewers, authors, or other parties
• Review editorial records or correspondence
• Refer to relevant journal policies or publication-ethics guidance
• Seek independent advice where necessary

The journal aims to provide an initial substantive response within 30 working days. More complex cases may require additional time, and the complainant will be informed where a longer review period is necessary.

Editorial Appeals

Authors may appeal an editorial decision where they believe that a significant factual, procedural, or ethical issue affected the decision.

An appeal should:

• Clearly identify the editorial decision being challenged
• Explain the specific grounds for the appeal
• Provide relevant evidence or supporting information
• Avoid simply repeating arguments already considered during peer review or revision

An appeal will not normally be reconsidered solely because an author disagrees with the academic judgment of reviewers or editors.

Where appropriate, an appeal may be reviewed by an editor who was not directly involved in the original decision.

The outcome of an appeal may include confirmation of the original decision, reconsideration of the manuscript, further review, or another appropriate editorial action.

Complaints Involving Editors

A complaint involving the Editor-in-Chief, handling editor, or another member of the editorial team should, where possible, be considered by an appropriate person who was not directly involved in the matter.

Where necessary, the complaint may be referred to another senior editor or an appropriate representative of the publisher to help preserve independence and fairness.

Editors who have a conflict of interest in relation to a complaint or appeal should not participate in its assessment.

Confidentiality

Complaints and appeals will be handled as confidentially as reasonably possible.

Information may be shared with relevant parties where this is necessary to investigate or resolve the matter.

The journal will seek to avoid unnecessary disclosure of personal, confidential, or unpublished information.

Abusive or Inappropriate Correspondence

JSAI expects all correspondence concerning complaints and appeals to remain professional and respectful.

Abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or harassing communication will not be accepted.

Where inappropriate language is used, the journal may request that future communication be conducted in an appropriate manner.

The presence of inappropriate language will not automatically prevent the journal from considering a legitimate underlying concern where the matter falls within the scope of this policy.

Repetitive Complaints

Where a complaint or appeal has been fully considered and no substantial new evidence or information is provided, the journal may decline to reopen the matter.

The journal may also bring correspondence to a close where repeated submissions raise the same issues without new grounds for review.

Outcomes

Depending on the circumstances, the outcome of a complaint or appeal may include:

• An explanation or clarification
• Reconsideration of an editorial process or decision
• Further peer review or editorial assessment
• Correction of an error
• Referral to another journal policy or procedure
• Referral to an appropriate institution or responsible body where necessary
• No further action where the complaint is not substantiated

Where a complaint concerns published material, appropriate action may be taken in accordance with the journal’s Retraction and Correction Policy and Publication Ethics policy.

Publication-Ethics Guidance

Where appropriate, JSAI may consider relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when reviewing complaints, appeals, and publication-ethics concerns.