Delhi Cabinet Clears Jan Vishwas Bill to Decriminalise Minor Offences

The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, a major reform initiative aimed at decriminalising minor offences and simplifying compliance requirements to enhance ease of doing business and ease of living in the National Capital.

Policy Rationale and Governance Approach

Addressing the media, Chief Minister “Rekha Gupta” said the Bill draws inspiration from the governance philosophy of Prime Minister “Narendra Modi”. The proposed legislation seeks to reduce the burden on courts, curb unnecessary criminalisation and improve overall administrative efficiency. It aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act enacted by the Centre, which decriminalised minor and procedural offences under several central laws.

Shift from Criminal to Civil Penalties

Following an advisory issued by the Union government, the Delhi Government reviewed its legal framework and found that in many cases, civil penalties were more proportionate than criminal prosecution. Under the Bill, criminal proceedings for minor, technical and procedural violations will be replaced with civil penalties, administrative fines and a defined appellate mechanism. Provisions related to public health, safety and matters affecting life will remain untouched.

Acts Covered Under the Bill

The legislation proposes to bring several Delhi laws within its ambit, including the Delhi Industrial Development, Operation and Maintenance Act, 2010; Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954; Delhi Jal Board Act, 1998; and Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998. Laws governing professional colleges, diploma-level technical institutions and bed-and-breakfast establishments are also proposed to be covered. Under these statutes, minor offences will be converted into civil penalties to ensure proportionality in punishment.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026 aims to decriminalise minor offences.
• Criminal penalties will be replaced with civil fines and administrative action.
• The Bill aligns with the Centre’s Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act.
• Serious offences related to public safety remain unchanged.

Implementation and Legislative Roadmap

The Bill proposes an automatic 10 per cent increase in fines every three years to account for inflation. The government clarified that the reform will not impose any additional financial burden or require new posts, as it will be implemented using existing departmental resources. The Finance Department has raised no objections to the proposal, and the Bill is expected to be introduced and passed in the upcoming winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.