New Delhi (21.11.2025): The Central government on Thursday brought an end to weeks of uncertainty by regularising the appointment of Dr Anju Rathi Rana, a seasoned Indian Legal Service (ILS) officer, as the Member-Secretary of the 23rd Law Commission of India. Dr Rana succeeds Rita Vashisht, whose tenure concluded a few weeks ago.

An order issued on Thursday formalised the appointment, cementing Dr. Rana’s role until the Commission's term concludes on August 31, 2027. She has been actively serving as the Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, since March 5, 2025.

The regularisation marks another milestone for Dr. Rana, who has a distinguished career in legal administration. She had previously made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Law Secretary (Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs).

Dr. Rana’s journey in the Ministry of Law and Justice began as a Joint Secretary in 2017. She was subsequently promoted to Additional Secretary in 2022 and later assumed the charge of Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs.

Commission's Mandate

The 23rd Law Commission, constituted with a three-year mandate from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027, is tasked with recommending key legal reforms to enhance the Indian legal system.

The Commission is chaired by Justice (Retd.) Dinesh Maheshwari, a former Supreme Court judge, who assumed his responsibilities in April 2025. Dr. Rana's regularised presence is expected to provide stability and continuity to the Commission’s crucial reform agenda.