Jan Vishwas Bill 2026: Centre Moves to Decriminalise 717 Offences Across 79 Laws

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha, proposing a major shift in India’s regulatory framework by reducing criminal liability for minor offences across several laws. The Bill aims to promote ease of doing business and simplify compliance for individuals and businesses.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend 784 provisions across 79 Central laws administered by 23 Ministries. Out of these, 717 provisions are proposed to be decriminalised. Additionally, 67 provisions are focused on improving ease of living through procedural and compliance-related changes.

The Statement of Objects and Reasons highlights the intent behind this reform. It states, “A web of outdated rules and regulations causes a trust deficit. It has been the endeavour of the Government to achieve the principle of “Minimum Government Maximum Governance”, redefining the regulatory landscape of the country under the Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business reforms…”

The Bill also emphasises that criminal penalties for minor violations discourage business activity. It notes, “…The fear of imprisonment for minor offences is a major factor hampering the growth of the business ecosystem and individual confidence. Decriminalisation of a large number of minor offences by replacing them with monetary penalties has been identified as a measure that not only makes lives and businesses easier but also reduces judicial burden.”

A significant feature of the Bill is the move from criminal prosecution to administrative penalties. Instead of facing trial before a Magistrate, individuals may now be “found in default” through an adjudication process and required to pay monetary penalties. This marks a shift towards a compliance-driven approach rather than punitive enforcement.

Several old laws are being updated under this framework. For instance, under the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, offences related to cattle trespassing will no longer lead to criminal proceedings. Instead, an executive magistrate will determine liability and impose penalties up to ₹5,000.

Similarly, the Works of Defence Act, 1903 will now treat non-violent violations as civil defaults, while retaining criminal consequences only for acts involving force or threats. This reflects a balanced approach between national security and regulatory reform.

Changes are also proposed in modern laws. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, certain offences will now attract monetary penalties linked to the value of goods involved. The Pharmacy Act, 1948 will see revised penalty structures, replacing outdated fines with higher amounts and introducing daily penalties for ongoing violations.

The Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) Act, 1948 introduces graded penalties, with stricter consequences for repeat offences. Similar reforms extend to laws like the Court Fees Act, 1870, where non-fraudulent violations are being removed from the criminal framework.

The Bill also covers laws such as the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994 and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, aiming to simplify procedures and improve regulatory efficiency. Overall, the reform reflects a broader policy shift towards reducing criminalisation and promoting a more facilitative legal environment.