The Union Cabinet, headed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the term of the Twenty-second Law Commission of India until August 31, 2024. The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body established by the Indian government, with the aim of making important contributions towards the development and codification of laws in the country. The Commission was originally established in 1955, and its term is reconstituted from time to time.
The current term of the Twenty-second Law Commission of India ends on February 20, 2023. However, the Chairperson and Members of the Commission have only recently joined the office and are working on several pending projects. Therefore, their tenure has been extended for another year and a half.
The Twenty-second Law Commission of India consists of a full-time Chairperson, four full-time Members (including the Member-Secretary), and ex-officio Members, such as the Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs and the Secretary of the Legislative Department. It can also have up to five part-time Members.
During its extended term, the Law Commission will continue to carry out its existing responsibilities, which include identifying laws that are no longer relevant and recommending the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary enactments, suggesting new legislation to implement the Directive Principles and the objectives of the Constitution’s Preamble, and considering and conveying its views on any subject related to law and judicial administration that may be referred to it by the Government through the Ministry of Law & Justice.
Additionally, the Law Commission will continue to prepare and submit reports on all issues, matters, studies, and research undertaken by it, recommending effective measures to be taken by the Union or any State. The Commission can also perform other functions assigned to it by the Central Government from time to time.
The Law Commission has made significant contributions towards the development of laws in India, having submitted 277 reports so far. With its term extended until August 31, 2024, the Twenty-second Law Commission of India will have more time to study and recommend changes to India’s laws, helping to create a more just and equitable legal system.
The Law Commission’s role in identifying obsolete laws and recommending their repeal is particularly important as it helps to streamline the legal system and reduce the burden on the courts. The Commission’s suggestions for new legislation have also been essential in implementing the Directive Principles of State Policy and achieving the objectives set out in the Constitution’s Preamble.
