The first Law Commission in India was headed by ______.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Lord Macaulay

Explanation:

• The first Law Commission of India was established in 1834 by the British East India Company, and it was headed by Lord Macaulay.
• The primary task of the commission was to codify laws for India and to create a uniform legal system.
• Lord Macaulay, who was a historian, essayist, and a member of the British Parliament, is widely known for his role in drafting the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which remains the basis of criminal law in India today.
• The Law Commission under Lord Macaulay focused on consolidating the numerous laws in India at the time and reforming the legal system based on British legal principles.

Information Booster:

• The Indian Penal Code (IPC), which was drafted by Lord Macaulay, was adopted in 1860 and is still in force in India.
• The first Law Commission played a significant role in the legal modernization of India during the colonial period, setting the foundation for a structured and unified legal system.

Additional Knowledge:
(a) Lord Hastings

• Lord Hastings was the Governor-General of India from 1813 to 1823 and is not related to the establishment of the Law Commission.

(c) Lord Cornwallis

• Lord Cornwallis was the Governor-General of India from 1786 to 1793, known for his land revenue reforms and the introduction of the Permanent Settlement. He was not associated with the first Law Commission.

(d) Sir Elijah Impey

• Sir Elijah Impey was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Calcutta and played a role in judicial reforms but was not involved in heading the Law Commission.