President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned the formation of the 23rd Law Commission of India, effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027. This commission will play a crucial role in reviewing and recommending legal reforms to enhance the Indian legal system.
Composition
According to the notification issued on Monday, the 23rd Law Commission of India will consist of the following members:
- Full-Time Chairperson: One full-time Chairperson.
- Members: Four full-time Members, including a Member-Secretary.
- Ex-Officio Members:
- Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs.
- Secretary, Legislative Department.
- Part-Time Members: Up to five part-time Members.
Role and Responsibilities
The primary functions of the commission include:
- Legal Reforms: Review and recommend reforms to improve the Indian legal system.
- Pending Reports: Address crucial reports, including those on the Uniform Civil Code and simultaneous elections, which are pending due to procedural issues.
Previous Commission
The 22nd Law Commission of India’s term concludes on Saturday. It has been operating without a chairperson for several months, affecting the submission of key reports. Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, the previous Chairman, resigned in March 2024 after a 17-month tenure, leaving the commission without leadership.
Terms of Reference for the 23rd Commission
A. Review/Repeal of Obsolete Laws
- Identify laws for immediate repeal.
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) for periodic reviews.
- Amend laws to meet current economic needs.
- Suggest necessary amendments.
- Harmonize laws based on suggestions from Expert Groups.
- Address multi-ministry/department legislation references.
- Propose measures for citizens’ grievances redressal.
B. Law and Poverty
- Examine laws affecting the poor.
- Conduct post-enactment audits of socio-economic legislation.
- Utilize legal processes to benefit the poor.
C. Judicial Administration
- Eliminate delays and reduce costs in case disposal.
- Simplify court processes and harmonize High Court rules.
- Reduce procedural technicalities and delays.
- Implement case and case flow management frameworks.
D. Directive Principles and Constitutional Objectives
- Review laws in light of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
- Suggest improvements and new legislation to achieve constitutional objectives.
E. Gender Equality
- Review and suggest amendments to promote gender equality.
F. Revision of Central Acts
- Revise significant Central Acts to simplify and address anomalies.
G. Government References
- Convey views on law and judicial administration topics referred by the Government.
H. International Research Assistance
- Provide research assistance or guidance to foreign countries as referred by the Government.
I. Globalization Impact
- Examine the impact of globalization on food security and unemployment.
- Recommend measures to protect marginalized interests.
Additional Provisions
- Recommendations will be finalized after consulting relevant Ministries/Departments and stakeholders.
- Reports will be submitted in Hindi and English and made available on the Law Commission’s website.
- The Commission will develop partnerships with law universities and policy research institutions and offer internships to law students.
- Consultants or experts may be engaged for specific projects.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the term duration of the 23rd Law Commission of India?
- A) 2024-2025
- B) 2024-2027
- C) 2024-2028
- D) 2025-2028
- Answer: B) 2024-2027
2. How many full-time members will the 23rd Law Commission of India have?
- A) Three
- B) Four
- C) Five
- D) Six
- Answer: B) Four
3. Who will be part of the 23rd Law Commission of India as ex-officio members?
- A) Chief Justice of India and Attorney General
- B) Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs and Secretary, Legislative Department
- C) Prime Minister and Finance Minister
- D) Law Minister and Home Minister
- Answer: B) Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs and Secretary, Legislative Department
4. What are the main responsibilities of the 23rd Law Commission of India?
- A) Conducting elections and implementing foreign policies
- B) Reviewing and recommending legal reforms to improve the legal system
- C) Managing the judiciary and handling international relations
- D) Overseeing public health and education policies
- Answer: B) Reviewing and recommending legal reforms to improve the legal system
5. What key report is pending submission due to the absence of a chairperson?
- A) Report on Environmental Laws
- B) Report on Simultaneous Elections
- C) Report on Cybersecurity
- D) Report on Labor Laws
- Answer: B) Report on Simultaneous Elections