Jan Vishwas 2.0 Bill aims for trust-based compliance by decriminalizing minor offenses
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, builds on the 2023 Act, aiming to recalibrate regulatory balance towards trust-based compliance by decriminalizing minor business-related offenses. This reform shifts away from criminal sanctions for technical and procedural lapses to civil penalties or administrative measures, reducing compliance burdens and fostering entrepreneurship. The 2026 Bill proposes amendments to 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, decriminalizing 717 provisions, and removing obsolete offenses. It seeks to reduce court congestion by moving minor cases out of criminal courts. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has advocated for this shift, emphasizing proportionality and economic efficiency. Effective implementation, including strengthening administrative adjudication and clear guidance, will be crucial for its success.
Key Points
- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, aims to establish a trust-based compliance culture by decriminalizing minor offenses.
- It proposes to replace criminal penalties for technical and procedural lapses with civil or administrative measures.
- The Bill seeks to amend 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, decriminalizing 717 of them, and remove obsolete offenses.
- A key objective is to reduce court congestion by diverting minor cases from criminal courts.
- Successful implementation requires strengthening administrative adjudication and providing clear regulatory guidance.
Exam Facts
- Bill name: Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026.
- Previous Act: Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
- Provisions proposed for amendment by 2026 Bill: 784 across 79 Central Acts, decriminalizing 717.
- Advocacy by: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
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