21st Law Commission Report

The 21st Law Commission was setup in 2015 under the chairmanship of Balbir Singh Chauhan with 3 years term. It has submitted 15 reports under various heads.

Following are some of the important recommendations under various titles -

  • The Protection of Children (Inter-Country Removal and Retention) Bill, 2016 (report 263): The bill must be aligned with Hague Convention, 1980.
  • DNA profiling (report 271): A DNA Profiling Board must be constituted which would undertake functions such as laying down procedures and standards to establish DNA laboratories and granting accreditation to such laboratories; and advising the concerned Ministries / Departments of the Central and State Governments on issues relating to DNA laboratories. Appropriate regulations may be notified by the Board for entry, retention and expunction of DNA profiles, etc.
  • Implementation of ‘United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment’ through Legislation (report 273): The commission recommended ratification of UN Convention against torture to ensure easy extradition.
  • Few changes in “the Prevention of Torture Bill, 2017” were also suggested.
  • Gambling and Sports Betting including in Cricket in India (report 276): The commission leaves it up to state if it wants to legalize gambling and betting as blanket ban is not possible.
  • If the state wants to legalize gambling, then it recommends to have a proper law which will be based on a three-pronged strategy, reforming the existing gambling (lottery, horse racing) market, regulating illegal gambling and introducing stringent and overarching regulations.
  • Law Commission of India is only an advisory body to the government and hence accepting its recommendations is up to the state.