JAN VISHWAS BILL, 2025

Current Context : The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to ease laws and decriminalise minor offences.

• It has been referred to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny.

BACKGROUND

• Builds upon Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.
• Part of the Government’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”.

KEY PROVISIONS

• 355 provisions amended across 16 Central Acts.
• 288 minor offences decriminalised – imprisonment replaced with fines/warnings.
• 76 offences: only advisory/warning for first-time violations.
• Monetary fines to increase 10% every three years.
• Laws covered: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, etc.

IMPACT

• Boosts business confidence and reduces judicial burden.
• Promotes compounding, adjudication, and settlement outside courts.
• Improves ease of doing business and ease of living.
• Encourages a trust-based relationship between government and citizens.

LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

• Introduced in Lok Sabha by Union Commerce & Industry Minister.
• Referred to Select Committee; report due before next Parliament session.