Research Misconduct Policy

Samvakti Journals is committed to preserving the integrity, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record. This policy outlines how allegations of research misconduct are defined, handled, investigated, and resolved in all journals published by Samvakti Pvt. Ltd. The policy applies to authors, editors, reviewers, and any individual involved in the publication process.

1. Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes serious violations of ethical, scholarly, or scientific standards. It involves one or more of the following acts:

1.1 Fabrication

Making up data, results, images, or findings and reporting them as if they were real.

1.2 Falsification

Manipulating research materials, processes, images, or data such that the results are misrepresented.

1.3 Plagiarism

Using the ideas, processes, results, or words of another person without appropriate acknowledgment, including self-plagiarism.

1.4 Misrepresentation

Providing false information regarding:

  • Author contributions

  • Funding sources

  • Conflicts of interest

  • Ethical approvals

  • Study methods or findings

1.5 Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest

Intentionally failing to disclose financial or personal interests that could influence research or publication decisions.

1.6 Peer Review Manipulation

Interfering with the review process, including suggesting fake reviewers, submitting fabricated reviewer emails, or attempting to influence editorial decisions.

1.7 Redundant or Duplicate Publication

Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals or publishing it more than once without proper disclosure.

1.8 Inappropriate Use of AI Tools

Using AI-generated content without disclosure or using AI improperly in ways that misrepresent originality.

Research misconduct does not include honest errors or good-faith differences in research methodology or interpretation.

2. Reporting Research Misconduct

Concerns may be raised by:

  • Editors
  • Reviewers
  • Readers
  • Authors
  • Institutions
  • Indexing bodies

Reports must include sufficient detail to allow the editorial office to evaluate the allegation.

Reports should be sent to:
editorial.office@samvaktijournals.com

Samvakti Journals treats all allegations confidentially and impartially.

3. Investigation Process
3.1 Preliminary Assessment

Upon receiving an allegation, the Editor-in-Chief conducts an initial evaluation to determine whether the claim is credible and supported by evidence.

3.2 Formal Investigation

If warranted, a formal investigation is initiated. This may involve:

  • Requesting raw data, analysis scripts, images, or materials
  • Requesting explanations from authors
  • Consulting reviewers or subject experts
  • Contacting the author’s institution, if necessary

3.3 Cooperation Requirement

All authors must fully cooperate with investigation requests. Failure to respond may result in rejection, retraction, or disciplinary actions.

3.4 Time Frame

Investigations are conducted as promptly as possible, but complex cases may require extended timelines.

4. Outcomes and Actions

Depending on the severity of the misconduct, Samvakti Journals may take one or more of the following actions:

4.1 Rejection Before Publication

The manuscript may be rejected without further consideration.

4.2 Correction After Publication

For errors that do not undermine the findings, a correction or clarification may be issued.

4.3 Retraction

For serious misconduct, the article will be retracted following the Retraction, Correction & Withdrawal Policy.

4.4 Expression of Concern

If an investigation is ongoing but concerns are significant, an Expression of Concern may be published.

4.5 Notification to Institutions

In cases involving serious ethical violations, the author’s institution, funding agency, or appropriate authority may be notified.

4.6 Author Banning

Authors found guilty of major misconduct may be prohibited from submitting to Samvakti Journals for a specified period or permanently.

4.7 Correction of the Scholarly Record

All corrections, retractions, or notices will be linked to the original article and remain publicly accessible.

5. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must:

  • Ensure accuracy and integrity in all parts of the research
  • Retain all raw data and materials for verification
  • Disclose all conflicts of interest
  • Provide ethical approval details when required
  • Respond promptly to inquiries during investigations

Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in disciplinary action.

6. Responsibilities of Editors and Reviewers

Editors and reviewers must:

  • Evaluate submissions impartially
  • Report suspected misconduct immediately
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Recuse themselves if conflicts exist
  • Follow ethical obligations outlined in the Ethics Code pages
7. Post-Publication Misconduct

If misconduct is discovered after publication:

  • The article may be retracted
  • A correction or disclosure may be issued
  • Indexing services will be notified
  • The author’s institution may be contacted
  • The correction notice will remain permanently accessible
8. Confidentiality

All allegations, investigations, and outcomes are handled confidentially. Information is shared only with individuals directly involved in the investigation.

9. Contact Information

For reporting misconduct or raising concerns, contact:

Samvakti Journals Editorial Office
Email: editorial.office@samvaktijournals.com

Website: https://www.samvaktijournals.com

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