NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, which seeks to decriminalise a range of minor offences and rationalise provisions across multiple central legislations.
The Bill proposes amendments to 79 Acts administered by 23 Ministries, covering a total of 784 provisions. Of these, 717 provisions are set to be decriminalised, with penalties to be recast as civil fines or administrative measures, while the remaining provisions will be modified to improve regulatory processes.
The legislation aims to reduce the compliance burden on individuals and businesses by removing the prospect of criminal prosecution for minor and technical violations. It also provides for the appointment of adjudicating officers and the creation of appellate mechanisms for faster resolution of disputes, thereby easing pressure on courts.
Replying to the debate, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said the Bill reflects a shift towards a trust-based governance framework, moving away from punitive approaches rooted in older regulatory systems.
The government has argued that the proposed changes would enhance the ease of doing business and improve the overall regulatory environment. Members across parties participated in the discussion, raising concerns as well as supporting the need for simplification of laws.
