In a recent announcement, Arjun Ram Meghwal has been appointed as the Union Minister for Law and Justice, replacing Kiren Rijiju. The decision was conveyed through a press communiqué from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Meghwal, who currently serves as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture, has been assigned the additional responsibility of Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The reshuffling of portfolios also includes Kiren Rijiju, who has now been assigned to the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Rijiju previously held the position of Law Minister, succeeding Ravi Shankar Prasad in July 2021. The Ministry of Law and Justice is a crucial government department responsible for formulating and implementing laws and regulations. It plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the legal system, ensuring justice for all citizens, and upholding the rule of law in the nation. During his tenure, Rijiju gained attention for his outspoken criticism of the collegium system for judicial appointments.
In a recent tweet, the outgoing Union Minister of Law & Justice also expressed his gratitude and reflections on his tenure. In the tweet, he acknowledged the privilege and honour of serving under the guidance of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Rijiju extended his thanks to the Honourable Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, all the judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices and Judges of High Courts, the Lower Judiciary, and the entire Law officers community for their immense support in ensuring ease of justice delivery and providing legal services to citizens.
Rijiju also expressed his enthusiasm for his new role as he stated his commitment to fulfilling the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the Ministry of Earth Sciences. He emphasised that he would approach this new responsibility with the same passion and dedication he has embraced throughout his journey as a humble karyakarta (worker) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Nonetheless, Arjun Ram Meghwal, a Member of Parliament from the Bikaner constituency in Rajasthan, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With a background in law from Jodhpur University, Meghwal has previously served as a Deputy Chief Whip of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Lok Sabha. He has also previously held ministerial positions, serving as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
As the Union Minister for Law and Justice, Meghwal will play a crucial role in overseeing the functioning of the Ministry, including legislative drafting, legal affairs, and the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary. His appointment has garnered mixed reactions, with some applauding the decision and others expressing concerns about his lack of extensive legal experience.
