The President of India recently sanctioned the formation of the 23rd Law Commission for a three-year term.

Law Commission of India Type: Non-statutory advisory body. Constitution: Formed by Government of India, Ministry of Law & Justice. Function: Conducts legal research, makes recommendations (Reports) to the Government. History: Pre-Independence: First established in 1834 by the British Government (Charter Act of 1833), chaired by Lord Macaulay. Post-Independence: First Commission in 1955, chaired by C. Setalvad. Reconstitution: Every three years. Creation: The Union government passes a resolution. President’s assent required. Chairperson appointed by the government.

Functioning: Works on references from the Central Government, Supreme Court, and High Courts. Initiates suo moto studies on important subjects. Aided by Indian Legal Service and Central Secretariat Service officers. Welcome suggestions from the public and organizations. Reports: Laid in Parliament by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice. Forwarded to concerned Departments/Ministries for action. Cited in Courts, Parliamentary Standing Committees, and academic/public discussions.