New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Law and Justice on Monday officially announced the formation of the 23rd Law Commission of India, which will serve for a three-year period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027. The notification, released with the sanction of President Droupadi Murmu, outlines the composition and mandate of the new commission, which will play a crucial consultative role in the country’s legal landscape.
Unlike statutory bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or the Lokpal, the Law Commission operates under an executive order rather than a law. This marks the continuation of a tradition dating back to 1955 when the first Law Commission was established, with then-Attorney General M.C. Setalvad as its chairperson.
The 23rd Law Commission will be led by a full-time Chairperson and will include four full-time members, including a Member-Secretary, along with two ex-officio members from the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department. Additionally, up to five part-time members may be appointed. The commission may also include serving judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts, who will function on a full-time basis until their retirement or the expiration of the commission’s term.
The new commission’s scope of work includes identifying obsolete laws for repeal, creating procedures for reviewing existing laws, and revising Central Acts to remove ambiguities and inconsistencies. The commission also takes up subjects referred by the Department of Legal Affairs, the Supreme Court, and the High Courts, providing recommendations based on its research.
This announcement follows the expiration of the 22nd Law Commission’s term, which ended on September 1, 2024. The 22nd Commission, chaired by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, had been functioning without a chairperson since March 2024, leading to delays in critical reports, including those on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and simultaneous elections.
With the establishment of the 23rd Law Commission, expectations are high that key legal reforms, including the UCC, will regain momentum under the Modi government’s third term. The commission’s work is seen as vital in shaping the legal framework of the country, ensuring that laws remain relevant and in harmony with contemporary needs.
