Law Commission of India
Topic: Justice Delivery: Subordinate Courts, Tribunals, Legal Aid and Judicial Reforms · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Law Commission of India is an advisory body that studies laws and suggests reforms. It is non-statutory, which means no Act of Parliament creates it. The Union government sets it up by executive order for a term of 3 years, and it is usually headed by a retired judge. The first commission was formed in 1834 under Macaulay. The first one after independence was formed in 1955 under M.C. Setalvad. Its reports are not binding, but they often shape new laws and court reforms.
Example
The Law Commission's 120th Report (1987) urged 50 judges per million people. India still has only about 21. Other key reports include the 245th (arrears of cases), the 273rd (torture) and the 279th (sedition).
Don't confuse with
- Malimath Committee (2003): a one-time committee on criminal justice only. The Law Commission is set up again and again for fixed terms and covers all areas of law.