23rd Law Commission of India

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Reference

The Law Commission of India plays an important role in reviewing and recommending changes in the Indian legal system to ensure its relevance to changing societal needs. The commission's recommendations have significantly shaped legal reforms in the country.

Why in discussion?

President Draupadi Murmu has approved the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission of India, which will function from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2027. This step has been taken at a time when the tenure of the 22nd Law Commission has ended.

Background

The 22nd Law Commission has faced considerable delay in addressing important legal matters due to the resignation of its Chairperson Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi. As a result, important discussions on issues like uniform civil code and simultaneous elections remained unresolved.

Structure of the Commission

The 23rd Law Commission will consist of:

A Chairman, who will head the Commission.

4 whole time members including Member-Secretary.

2 ex-officio members from the Law and Legislative Departments.

Up to 5 part-time members.

Challenges of the previous commission

The work of the 22nd Law Commission was hampered by the absence of a chairman, which delayed consideration of important issues such as the Uniform Civil Code and holding simultaneous elections across the country.

The main objectives of the 23rd Commission

The 23rd Law Commission has several primary objectives, including:

Review obsolete laws and repeal them.

Analyzing the impact of laws on economically disadvantaged groups.

Proposing measures to reduce judicial delay.

Ensuring that laws are consistent with the guiding principles of state policy.

Promoting gender equality through legal reforms.

Simplification of Central Acts for better understanding and implementation.

Additional provisions

The Commission will consult stakeholders before making recommendations, which will be published in both Hindi and English. It will also work with academic institutions to enhance legal research and education.

Conclusion

The formation of the 23rd Law Commission is an important step towards continuing the work of legal reform in India. The new commission is expected to overcome the delays of the previous commission and focus on key legal issues.

Way forward

The 23rd Law Commission should prioritize pending issues like Uniform Civil Code and judicial efficiency. Collaboration with educational institutions and consultation with stakeholders will be critical to ensure the success of its recommendations.