Legal reforms must keep pace with changing times: Vice President

New Delhi, Oct 22: Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, Thursday inaugurated the conference on ‘Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms: National and State Perspective’, organised by the Law Commission of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that India’s greatest strength lies in its unity in diversity, with the Constitution providing the framework to balance the strength of the Union with the responsibilities and legitimate autonomy of the States. He emphasised that the true strength of Indian federalism lies in respecting diversity while working towards common national objectives.
Highlighting the importance of cooperative and competitive federalism, the Vice-President said that the vision of ‘Team India’, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calls for consultation, coordination and shared responsibility between the Centre and the States. He noted that political differences should never come in the way of working together for the larger public interest.
Emphasising the importance of legal reforms in achieving Viksit Bharat @2047, Radhakrishnan said that development must be supported by sound laws, transparent institutions, efficient administration and justice for all.
The Vice President highlighted the replacement of three colonial-era criminal laws and the repeal of over 1,700 obsolete laws in the last twelve years as major steps towards modernising India’s legal framework. He urged State Law Commissions to identify and recommend the amendment or repeal of outdated laws to promote ease of living and efficient governance.
Stressing that cooperative federalism in law reforms does not imply uniformity in every matter, the Vice-President said that the Union and States must work together where their constitutional responsibilities converge, while preserving the States’ legitimate space to address their specific needs. He called for stronger coordination among the Law Commission of India, State Law Commissions and State Law Departments through inter-State consultations, sharing of best practices and systematic review of outdated laws.
Referring to the Sengol installed in Parliament as a symbol of righteous authority and ethical governance, C. P. Radhakrishnan invoked the timeless wisdom of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar on good governance and adherence to the rule of law. He emphasised that good governance, rather than the exercise of power alone, is the foundation of lasting success and prosperity.
The Vice President expressed hope that the conference would produce concrete and actionable recommendations towards a coherent, responsive and citizen-centric legal framework.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal; Chairperson of the Law Commission of India, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari; Member Secretary, Law Commission of India, Dr. Anju Rathi Rana; and Member of the Law Commission of India, Prof. D. P. Verma, were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.