In addition to its other functions and responsibilities under any law, Schedule 2.14 of the Constitution gives the CLRC a special responsibility to investigate into and report to Parliament through the National Executive Council on the development and on the adaptation to the circumstances of the country, of the Underlying Law and on the appropriateness of the rules and principles of the Underlying Law to the circumstances of the country from time to time.

Under Section 13 of the Underlying Law Act 2000 (No.12 of 2000), the Chairman of the CLRC is given the authority to apply to the National Court to review any decision of the lower courts which may not be considered to be in the best interest of the development of the underlying law.