Appeals and Complaints

International Journal of Mental Health and Neurosciences deals with complaints and appeals in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE): https://publicationethics.org

Complaints and appeals may include, but are not limited to:

  • Disputes regarding editorial decisions (e.g., rejection of a manuscript).
  • Allegations of misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, or ethical breaches).
  • Concerns about the peer review process (e.g., perceived bias or conflict of interest).
  • Issues related to publication ethics (e.g., authorship disputes).
  • Complaints about the quality of published content or processes.

Complaints Procedure

Complaints regarding any published material will only be considered within 3 months from the initial date of publication.

Submission of Complaints:

  • Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office at editorijmhns@gmail.com
  • Include detailed information regarding the nature of the complaint, specific references (e.g., manuscript ID, title), and any supporting evidence.

Acknowledgment:

  • The Editorial Office will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within five working days.
  • A reference number will be provided for tracking purposes.

Investigation:

  • Additional information or clarification may be requested from the complainant.
  • The investigation process will be conducted with confidentiality and impartiality.

Resolution:

  • A decision will be communicated to the complainant within 30 working days.
  • If further investigation is required, the complainant will be informed of the anticipated timeline.

Outcomes:

  • Possible outcomes include upholding the original decision, revision of the editorial decision, or implementation of corrective actions.

Appeals Procedure

The corresponding author of a rejected manuscript has the right to submit an appeal within 15 calendar days from the date of the rejection, by providing a detailed justification.

The appeal will be reviewed by the Editorial Board, and the date of the appeal will be considered as the starting point for the process

Grounds for Appeal:

  • Appeals must be based on procedural errors, new evidence, or significant errors in judgment.
  • Appeals should not be based solely on disagreement with the decision.

Submission of Appeals:

  • Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office at editorijmhns@gmail.com
  • Clearly state the grounds for appeal and provide supporting evidence.

Acknowledgment and Initial Review:

  • Appeals will be acknowledged within five working days.
  • The initial review will assess the validity of the grounds for appeal.

Investigation:

  • A separate panel, including independent editors not involved in the original decision, will review the appeal.
  • The appeal process will maintain confidentiality and impartiality.

Resolution:

  • A decision will be communicated to the appellant within 45 working days.
  • The decision of the appeals panel is final.

Contact Information
For any inquiries or submissions related to complaints and appeals, please contact:
Editorial Office
Indian Journal of Mental Health and Neurosciences
Email: editorijmhns@gmail.com