Why in News?

• The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the term of the Twenty-second Law Commission of India upto 31st August, 2024.

Key Highlights:

• The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of India from time to time.
• The Commission was originally constituted in 1955 and is reconstituted every three years.
• Various Law Commissions have been able to make important contributions towards the progressive development and codification of Law of the country.

Composition

• The Law Commission consists of:
  1. A full-time Chairperson.
  2. four full-time Members.
  3. Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as ex-officio Member;
  4. Secretary, Legislative Department as ex officio Member; and
  5. Not more than five part-time Members.
• There are no defined eligibility criteria for chairperson and members and the terms of reference are specified afresh each time it is reconstituted.

Functions of the Law Commission

• The Law Commission advises the government on legal issues, conducts research to review and reform the law or to bring new legislation.
• Either through a reference made to it by the government or suo-motu, it researches laws and reviews existing laws in India to reform them, remove them or bring new legislation.
• It also undertakes studies for reforms in the justice delivery systems.