22nd Law Commission of India | 20 Feb 2020

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the constitution of the 22^nd Law Commission of India for a period of three years.

The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of India from time to time.
The first Law Commission of independent India was established in 1955 for a three-year term. Since then, twenty one more Commissions have been established.
- The first Law Commission was established during the British Raj era in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833 and was chaired by Lord Macaulay.
It works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The Law Commission undertakes research in law and review of existing laws in India for making reforms therein and enacting new legislations on a reference made to it by the Central Government or suo-motu.

Important Recommendations by Law Commission of India

Law Commission in its 262^nd Report recommended abolition of the death penalty for all crimes except terrorism-related offences and waging war against the state.
Its report on electoral reforms (1999) had suggested simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections to improve governance and stability.
The 267^th report of the Law Commission had drafted a new law — The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2017 — inserting new Sections to fortify democracy against hate speeches.
The Law Commission had also recommended the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country.