GS2 – Governance
Context
- The Union Government introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 to further decriminalise minor offences (PIB).
- Builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which was India’s first consolidated law for systematic decriminalisation, easing 183 provisions across 42 Acts.
Key Features
- Scope: Amends 355 provisions across 16 Central Acts under 10 Ministries/Departments.
- Decriminalisation: Replaces imprisonment for minor, technical, or procedural defaults with monetary penalties.
- Proportionate Penalties: Graduated penalties for repeat offences.
- Administrative Empowerment: Designated officers authorised to levy penalties, reducing court burden.
- Automatic Escalation: Fines/penalties increase by 10% every three years to avoid frequent amendments.
- Acts Covered: Includes reforms in the Tea Act, 1953; Legal Metrology Act, 2009; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, etc.
Significance
- Reflects “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”.
- Enhances Ease of Doing Business by removing criminal liability for technical lapses.
- Promotes Ease of Living through simplified compliance for citizens and enterprises.
Reduces judicial pendency by shifting minor contraventions to administrative mechanisms.