Govt introduces Jan Vishwas Bill’s second edition in Lok Sabha; rejects Cong objections, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha to decriminalize minor offenses and promote ease of doing business.
• The bill seeks to amend 79 central acts across 23 ministries, decriminalizing 717 provisions to improve business and 67 to improve living.
• Congress members opposed the bill, claiming it infringes on the Indian Constitution's basic structure by replacing imprisonment with fines for violations.
• The bill proposes removing imprisonment in 57 provisions and fines in 158 provisions, also reducing imprisonment in 17 provisions.

Detailed Insights:

• The Jan Vishwas Bill aims to reduce the burden of minor offenses on businesses and citizens by replacing imprisonment with monetary penalties.
• The bill excludes critical areas such as national security, labor courts, armed forces, and international obligations, focusing on procedural violations.
• Amendments include revising fines and penalties to be proportionate to the offense and establishing appellate authorities for dispute resolution.
• The bill includes 67 amendments under the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to facilitate ease of living for citizens.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Decriminalization: The process of removing criminal penalties for certain actions, often replacing them with civil penalties like fines.
• Ease of Doing Business: An environment where businesses can operate efficiently and without unnecessary regulatory burdens.
• Central Act: A law enacted by the Parliament of India that applies uniformly across the country.