About 23rd Law Commission of India: UPSC Current Affairs

23RD LAW COMMISSION

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Picture Courtesy: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/23rd-law-commission-three-years-legal-reforms-9547237/

Context:

The Union government has established the 23rd Law Commission.

Details

The 23rd Law Commission is to function from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.
The commission will consist of a full-time chairperson, four full-time members, the Secretaries of Legal Affairs and Legislative departments as ex-officio members, and up to five part-time members.

About Law Commission

The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body created by the Ministry of Law and Justice with a specific goal of conducting legal research and making recommendations to the government.
- - Its recommendations are not binding on the Government.
It reviews existing laws, suggests new legislation, and identifies outdated laws that need to be repealed.
It is formed when the Union government passes a resolution establishing a new commission following the expiration of the previous one.
- - The Union government selects a chairperson and members for the new commission.
It may also initiate suo moto studies on specific subjects depending on the significance of the subject matter.

Evolution of the Law Commission

●In 1834, the British government in India formed the first law commission, chaired by Lord Macaulay.

●The first Law Commission of independent India was established in 1955, chaired by M.C. Setalvad, former Attorney General of India.

●Justice Rituraj Awasthi was appointed as the chairman of the 22nd Law Commission in 2022, and it will continue to function until August 31, 2024.

Source:

Indian Express

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Law Commission of India:

1. It serves as an advisory body to the government.

2. The Commission often seeks inputs only from legal experts to ensure comprehensive recommendations.

3. The Law Commission is appointed for a five-year term.

4. Its reports and recommendations are publicly available and can influence legislative and judicial processes.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) Only one

B) Only two

C) Only three

D) All four

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

●The Law Commission is an advisory body that makes recommendations to the government on different legal issues.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

●The Commission consults legal specialists and also seeks feedback from various stakeholders.

●Public consultations and feedback from various sectors to ensure that its proposals are comprehensive and address a wide range of opinions.

Statement 3 is incorrect:

●The Law Commission is appointed for a three-year term.

Statement 4 is correct:

●The Law Commission's reports and recommendations are publicly available.

●These reports create an impact on both legislative and judicial procedures as they provide extensive assessments and recommendations for legal improvements.