1 minInstitution
Institution

Law Commission of India

What is Law Commission of India?

An executive body constituted by the Government of India to advise the government on legal reforms. It is not a constitutional or statutory body in the strict sense, but rather an advisory body established by an order of the Government.

Historical Background

The first Law Commission was established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833, chaired by Lord Macaulay. Post-independence, the first Law Commission was constituted in 1955 for a three-year term, with M. C. Setalvad as its chairman. It has been reconstituted periodically by the government.

Key Points

9 points
  • 1.

    Functions as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

  • 2.

    Composed of a full-time Chairperson, four full-time Members (including a Member-Secretary), and part-time members.

  • 3.

    Undertakes research and review of existing laws to suggest reforms.

  • 4.

    Recommends new legislation or amendments to existing laws to meet contemporary needs.

  • 5.

    Identifies laws that are no longer relevant and suggests their repeal.

  • 6.

    Provides recommendations on specific legal issues referred to it by the government.

  • 7.

    Promotes legal education and research within the country.

  • 8.

    Its recommendations are not binding on the government but are given due consideration in policy-making.

  • 9.

    Plays a crucial role in shaping legal policy and reform in India's legal system.

Visual Insights

Evolution of Law Commission in India

Shows the historical development of the Law Commission in India.

The Law Commission of India has evolved through various commissions, contributing to legal reforms and shaping Indian laws.

  • 1834First Law Commission: Chaired by Lord Macaulay
  • 1955First Law Commission of independent India
  • 201821st Law Commission: Report on NRI marriages
  • 202322nd Law Commission: Report on Uniform Civil Code
  • 202322nd Law Commission: Report on Sedition Law
  • 2024Government considers recommendations of 22nd Law Commission
  • 2026Constitution of the 23rd Law Commission under consideration

Recent Developments

4 developments
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The 22nd Law Commission was constituted in 2020, with Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi as its Chairperson.

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It has been tasked with examining various significant issues, including the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the feasibility of 'One Nation, One Election'.

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Its reports often generate public debate and influence government policy decisions and legislative agendas.

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The Commission frequently invites public and stakeholder consultations on complex legal matters.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Addressing Judicial Corruption: A Critical Need for System Integrity

27 Feb 2026

The news about judicial corruption highlights the importance of institutions like the Law Commission in ensuring the integrity of the legal system. The news demonstrates how corruption can undermine the rule of law and public trust, emphasizing the need for continuous legal reforms. The Law Commission can play a crucial role in identifying loopholes in existing laws that facilitate corruption and recommending measures to address them. This news reinforces the need for an independent and impartial judiciary, and the Law Commission's recommendations can contribute to achieving this goal. Understanding the role and functions of the Law Commission is crucial for analyzing and answering questions about governance, judicial reforms, and the rule of law. The news underscores the Law Commission's potential to propose concrete steps toward a more ethical and accountable judiciary, making it a key player in the fight against corruption.

Source Topic

Addressing Judicial Corruption: A Critical Need for System Integrity

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Critical for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance - Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-Judicial Bodies). Questions often focus on its nature, functions, composition, and the significance of its recent reports and recommendations.

Evolution of Law Commission in India

Shows the historical development of the Law Commission in India.

1834

First Law Commission: Chaired by Lord Macaulay

1955

First Law Commission of independent India

2018

21st Law Commission: Report on NRI marriages

2023

22nd Law Commission: Report on Uniform Civil Code

2023

22nd Law Commission: Report on Sedition Law

2024

Government considers recommendations of 22nd Law Commission

2026

Constitution of the 23rd Law Commission under consideration

Connected to current news

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

Addressing Judicial Corruption: A Critical Need for System Integrity

27 February 2026

The news about judicial corruption highlights the importance of institutions like the Law Commission in ensuring the integrity of the legal system. The news demonstrates how corruption can undermine the rule of law and public trust, emphasizing the need for continuous legal reforms. The Law Commission can play a crucial role in identifying loopholes in existing laws that facilitate corruption and recommending measures to address them. This news reinforces the need for an independent and impartial judiciary, and the Law Commission's recommendations can contribute to achieving this goal. Understanding the role and functions of the Law Commission is crucial for analyzing and answering questions about governance, judicial reforms, and the rule of law. The news underscores the Law Commission's potential to propose concrete steps toward a more ethical and accountable judiciary, making it a key player in the fight against corruption.