The Union government has introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment Provisions) Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to decriminalise minor offences across multiple central laws to simplify compliance for individuals and businesses.
It was presented by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. The proposal forms part of broader efforts to reduce regulatory burden and improve the ease of doing business.
The bill proposes changes to 784 provisions across 79 central laws administered by 23 ministries. Of these, 717 provisions will be decriminalised, removing the possibility of imprisonment.
The remaining 67 provisions are being amended to simplify legal processes and improve compliance frameworks. The wide scope of changes indicates a systemic effort to reform regulatory enforcement across sectors.
A key feature of the bill is the replacement of criminal penalties with financial penalties for minor violations. Instead of imprisonment, offenders will be subject to monetary fines, depending on the nature of the violation.
This approach is expected to reduce the burden on courts and streamline dispute resolution. The Statement of Objects and Reasons highlights that decriminalisation can ease compliance while maintaining accountability.
The bill proposes amendments to several legacy laws, including colonial-era legislation. Under the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, offences related to stray cattle damage will shift to an adjudication-based system with fines up to ₹5,000.
The Works of Defence Act, 1903 will also be updated, where non-violent violations near defence installations will attract monetary penalties instead of criminal charges. These changes reflect a move towards modernising outdated legal provisions.
The bill also introduces amendments across sector-specific regulations. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, certain offences will be converted into financial penalties, sometimes linked to the value of confiscated goods.
The Pharmacy Act, 1948 will see higher penalties replacing nominal fines. Additionally, the Court Fees Act, 1870 will move non-fraudulent violations out of the criminal framework. Changes have also been proposed to the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, including updates to taxation and procedural aspects.
Read More: Lok Sabha Passes Finance Bill 2026 With 32 Amendments.
The Jan Vishwas Bill 2026 represents a broad-based effort to reform India’s legal and regulatory framework. By decriminalising minor offences, the bill aims to reduce litigation and improve compliance efficiency.
The shift towards monetary penalties reflects a change in enforcement philosophy across sectors. The proposed amendments span multiple laws, indicating a comprehensive approach to regulatory simplification.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
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Published on: Mar 30, 2026, 5:41 PM IST
Akshay Shivalkar
Akshay Shivalkar is a financial content specialist who strategises and creates SEO-optimised content on the stock market, mutual funds, and other investment products. With experience in fintech and mutual funds, he simplifies complex financial concepts to help investors make informed decisions through his writing.
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