Article : Jan Vishwas 2.0
Published : The Indian Exp -25 Aug 2025
Jan Vishwas 2.0:
Why in news ? The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha last week, seeks to amend 16 Central Acts in order to decriminalise and rationalise certain offences and penalties.
This is the second Jan Vishwas legislation by the Modi government.
- The first (2023) amended 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts administered by 19 ministries/departments.
- Aim: To promote trust-based governance, ease of doing business, and reduce unnecessary criminal penalties.
Why was the Bill needed?
According to the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy:
- India has 882 Central laws, of which 370 contain criminal provisions.
- Together, they create 7,305 offences.
- Over 75% of these laws regulate areas beyond core criminal justice (e.g., environment, taxation, financial institutions, municipal governance).
- Over-criminalisation leads to:
- Burden on judiciary → 6 crore pending cases in India (23% pending for more than 10 years).
- Fear and harassment for entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Hindrance to growth, job creation, and GDP.
What does the 2025 Bill propose?
Amends 355 provisions:
- 288 provisions decriminalised (technical/minor offences).
- 67 provisions rationalised (penalties simplified).
Covers 16 Central Acts administered by 10 ministries/departments, including:
- Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Road Transport Corporation Act, 1950
- Tea Act, 1953
- Coir Industry Act, 1953
- Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985
- Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957
- Apprentices Act, 1961
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994
- Electricity Act, 2003, etc.
Key Features of the Bill:
Warning & Improvement Notices:
- For first-time offenders in 10 Acts (e.g., Motor Vehicles Act, Apprentices Act).
- Example: Instead of a fine under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, offenders will be first asked to correct the error within a specified period.
Decriminalisation:
- Removes imprisonment clauses for minor, technical, and procedural offences.
- Replaces them with monetary penalties or warnings.
- Penalties now range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh.
Harsher Penalties for Repeat Offences
- Automatic 10% increase in penalties every three years.
- Intended to ensure deterrence without legislative delay.
Significance:
- Promotes a more business-friendly environment.
- Reduces fear of imprisonment for procedural lapses.
- Helps in reducing judicial backlog.
- Simplifies legal compliance for industries, entrepreneurs, and citizens.
- Aligns with the government’s vision of ease of living and ease of doing business.