The Department of Legal Affairs has marked 2024 as a year of significant achievements, with wide-ranging reforms and legal developments aimed at modernizing the Indian legal landscape.
Key initiatives include the implementation of new criminal laws, extensive consultations on simultaneous elections, digital advancements, and international cooperation.
High-Level Committee Submits Report on Simultaneous Elections
A High-Level Committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its 18,626-page report on simultaneous elections to President Droupadi Murmu on March 14, 2024.
After 191 days of research and consultation with 47 political parties and over 21,000 citizens, the committee proposed a phased approach.
Initially, simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies would be held, followed by synchronized elections for Municipalities and Panchayats within 100 days.
The committee highlighted the need for a single electoral roll and the use of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) across all elections.
New Criminal Laws replace Colonial-Era statutes
In a landmark shift, the government implemented three new criminal laws in July 2024—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023—replacing the outdated colonial laws.
These laws address modern crimes, emphasize the use of electronic trials, and set a three-year limit for criminal trials to expedite justice. Nationwide conferences were held to prepare stakeholders for the new laws, ensuring a smooth transition to the updated legal framework.
22nd Law Commission delivers Key Reports
The 22nd Law Commission of India submitted multiple reports in 2024, tackling significant issues such as matrimonial laws for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), a review of defamation laws, and a comprehensive examination of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
The Commission recommended stricter laws for NRI marriages and upheld criminal defamation, citing the protection of reputation under Article 21 of the Constitution.
India and Singapore Sign MoU on Legal Cooperation
In March 2024, India and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in law and dispute resolution. The MoU aims to enhance collaboration on international commercial disputes and strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Focus
2024 also witnessed significant strides in the digitalization of the legal system. The launch of the Notary Portal has streamlined notarial services, allowing legal practitioners to submit applications, monitor progress, and receive digitally signed certificates.
Also, the Ministry introduced the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) for real-time court case tracking. Cybersecurity has also become a priority, with the Department developing a Cyber Security Crisis Management Plan to safeguard digital infrastructure.
Constitution Day Celebration and Launch of Hindi Course
On Constitution Day, November 26, 2024, the Department of Legal Affairs, in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law, launched an online course on the Indian Constitution in Hindi. The course, designed to educate citizens about constitutional rights and responsibilities, consists of 15 videos covering key aspects of the Constitution.
International Engagement and BRICS Cooperation
India participated in the BRICS Ministers of Justice Meeting on September 18, 2024, showcasing its legal reforms and achievements. India’s representatives highlighted the enactment of the Mediation Act as a critical step toward reducing the judicial burden through alternative dispute resolution.
Discussions also focused on areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and human rights.
