VP Radhakrishnan Calls for Repeal of Outdated Laws
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan urges Centre and States to strengthen cooperative federalism and modernise legal frameworks for efficient, citizen-centric governance.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd Oct: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday called on States to review and repeal obsolete laws, stressing that legal reforms must keep pace with changing times to ensure efficient governance and justice for citizens.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the conference on Co-operative Federalism and Law Reforms: National and State Perspective, organised by the Law Commission of India at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
“The ultimate purpose of law is to ensure a just, secure and dignified life for every citizen,” the Vice-President said, highlighting the need for transparent institutions, effective administration and accessible justice to support India’s development goals.
Calls for Stronger Centre-State Coordination
Emphasising India’s unity in diversity, Radhakrishnan said the Constitution balances the strength of the Union with the responsibilities and legitimate autonomy of States. He noted that cooperative and competitive federalism require consultation, coordination and shared responsibility in the larger public interest.
Referring to the vision of ‘Team India’ under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said political differences should not prevent the Centre and States from working together towards common national objectives.
The Vice-President also urged the Law Commission of India, State Law Commissions and State Law Departments to strengthen coordination through inter-State consultations, the sharing of best practices and systematic reviews of outdated legislation.
Legal Reforms Key to Viksit Bharat @2047
Radhakrishnan highlighted the replacement of three colonial-era criminal laws and the repeal of more than 1,700 obsolete laws over the past 12 years as important steps towards modernising the legal framework.
He called on State Law Commissions to identify outdated provisions and recommend amendments or repeal wherever necessary to improve ease of living and governance.
Stressing that cooperative federalism does not require uniformity in every matter, he said States must retain the space to address their specific needs while working with the Union on shared constitutional responsibilities.
Referring to the Sengol installed in Parliament as a symbol of righteous authority and ethical governance, the Vice-President invoked the teachings of Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar. He said good governance and adherence to the rule of law are essential for lasting prosperity.
Radhakrishnan expressed hope that the conference would produce concrete recommendations for a coherent, responsive and citizen-centric legal framework.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, Law Commission of India Chairperson Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Member Secretary Dr. Anju Rathi Rana and Commission member Prof. D. P. Verma were among those present.
