Justice Dinesh Maheshwari Named Head of the 23rd Law Commission of India

A New Era of Legal Reform Begins

Justice Dinesh Maheshwari Named Head of the 23rd Law Commission of India: In April 2025, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, former Supreme Court judge, was appointed as the Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India. His leadership comes at a pivotal time, as the Commission is expected to address several key legal reforms. Constituted on September 1, 2024, the panel will operate until August 31, 2027, with the mandate to review, analyze, and recommend updates to India’s legal framework.

Composition of the Law Panel

The 23rd Law Commission comprises seven key members, including four full-time members such as lawyer Hitesh Jain and academician P. Verma, who also served in the previous Commission. Two ex-officio members represent the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department. The Commission also has space for up to five part-time members, and may include serving judges as full-time members when needed. This well-rounded team blends legal, academic, and policy expertise to handle complex legal challenges.

Revisiting the Uniform Civil Code

One of the Commission’s top priorities is to re-examine the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)—a proposed set of civil laws meant to apply equally to all citizens, regardless of religion. The 22nd Law Commission began public consultations in 2023, gathering input from over 70 stakeholders and drafting a 749-page preliminary report. However, the process stalled after Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, then Chairperson, was appointed Lokpal. The new Commission is expected to conclude the consultations and offer comprehensive recommendations on this contentious issue, balancing public sentiment and legal principles.

Political Implications and National Significance

The UCC is seen as a cornerstone of the BJP’s legal reform agenda, alongside initiatives like the abrogation of Article 370 and the Ram Mandir construction. With Uttarakhand already enacting a UCC bill and Gujarat forming a drafting committee, the political push for uniformity is intensifying. The Central Government, in a 2022 affidavit to the Supreme Court, described personal law disparities as a threat to national unity. This gives added weight to the 23rd Law Commission’s role in shaping the national legal discourse.

Working Structure and Compensation

The Commission functions under the Ministry of Law and Justice and collaborates with legal experts, civil society, and public stakeholders. The Chairperson receives a monthly honorarium of ₹2.5 lakh, while full-time members draw ₹2.25 lakh, both inclusive of pension. This structured compensation ensures continuity and professional commitment during the Commission’s term.

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Justice Dinesh Maheshwari Named Head of the 23rd Law Commission of India: