The Indian government has officially constituted the 23rd Law Commission, as announced by the Ministry of Law and Justice. This comes as the term of the 22nd Law Commission ended on Monday, which had been operating without a chairperson for several months. The 22nd Commission’s tenure, originally set for three years, was extended due to delays in submitting key reports, including one on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and another on simultaneous elections.
Justice (retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi, who previously chaired the 22nd Law Commission, was appointed to the Lokpal, necessitating the formation of a new commission. The absence of a chairperson hindered the submission of crucial reports, including the one on simultaneous elections, which has been finalized but awaits formal presentation to the law ministry.
The Law Commission serves as an advisory body to the government, focusing on legal reforms and the review of existing laws. Its mandate includes addressing significant legal issues, such as the UCC, which aims to establish a common set of laws governing personal matters for all citizens, irrespective of religion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the need for a secular civil code, arguing that existing laws can be discriminatory and divisive.
The new commission will consist of a chairperson, four full-time members, and several part-time members, ensuring a diverse representation of legal expertise. Historically, the Law Commission has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s legal framework, submitting numerous reports that have led to significant legislative reforms.
As the 23rd Law Commission embarks on its mandate, it is expected to prioritize the completion of pending reports and address pressing legal issues, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to legal modernization and reform in India.
