Himalayan Publisher is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and accountable publication process. We welcome complaints and appeals regarding editorial decisions, publication ethics, or the editorial process and handle them promptly, impartially, and confidentially.

This policy is based on the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and applies uniformly to all journals published by Himalayan Publisher.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders with a transparent process for submitting complaints or appealing editorial decisions while ensuring fairness and maintaining the integrity of the publication process.

Complaints

Complaints may relate to, but are not limited to:

• Editorial or administrative processes. 
• Delays in manuscript handling or peer review. 
• Alleged ethical misconduct. 
• Reviewer or editor conduct. 
• Publication policies or procedures. 
• Conflicts of interest. 
• Corrections, retractions, or other post-publication issues. 

All complaints should be submitted in writing with sufficient details and supporting evidence to enable a thorough assessment.

Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Authors who disagree with an editorial decision, including manuscript rejection, may submit a written appeal explaining the scientific or procedural reasons for reconsideration. Appeals should provide clear justification and any relevant supporting evidence.

Appeals intended solely to challenge reviewers' opinions without substantive scientific grounds are unlikely to be considered.

Review Process

Upon receiving a complaint or appeal, the Editorial Office will:

• Acknowledge receipt of the complaint or appeal. 
• Conduct an impartial review of the available evidence. 
• Consult the Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Board members, reviewers, or independent experts where appropriate. 
• Follow the recommendations and guidance provided by COPE for resolving disputes. 
• Communicate the final decision to the complainant in a timely manner. 

Confidentiality

All complaints and appeals are handled confidentially. Information will only be shared with individuals directly involved in the investigation and decision-making process.

Final Decision

Following a thorough review, the Editor-in-Chief or the publisher will make a final decision based on the available evidence and applicable publication ethics policies. The decision will be communicated to the complainant with an explanation where appropriate.

Continuous Improvement

Himalayan Publisher values feedback and uses complaints and appeals to improve editorial procedures, peer review practices, and publication policies while maintaining fairness, transparency, and research integrity.

Policy Applicability

This Complaints and Appeals Policy is the official policy of Himalayan Publisher and applies uniformly to all journals published under the publisher. All complaints and appeals are managed in accordance with the ethical principles and best practices recommended by COPE, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution process for all parties involved.