Jan Vishwas Bill 2025
The Government of India introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. This Bill proposes amendments to 355 provisions across 16 Central Acts. Its primary objective is to ease the applicability of laws by decriminalising 288 minor offences and amending 67 provisions to promote ease of living. The Bill builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts. The Bill has been referred to a Select Committee for detailed examination.
Background
The Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025 is part of the Government’s ongoing effort to simplify laws and reduce regulatory burdens. The 2023 Act was the first consolidated legislation aimed at decriminalising minor offences to encourage trust-based governance. The 2025 Bill extends this effort by targeting more provisions and introducing proportionate penalties. The Government emphasises ‘Minimum Government Maximum Governance’ to improve ease of doing business and ease of living.
Key Provisions and Amendments
The Bill proposes decriminalisation of 288 minor offences by replacing imprisonment clauses with warnings or monetary penalties. For 76 offences under 10 Acts, first-time contraventions will attract advisory or warning only. Penalties will be proportionate and escalate with repeated violations. Monetary fines will increase by 10% every three years after enactment. The amendments cover diverse laws including the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994.
Impact on Governance and Business
By reducing fear of imprisonment for minor infractions, the Bill aims to boost business confidence and growth. It seeks to reduce judicial burden by encouraging settlement through compounding, adjudication, and administrative mechanisms. This will save time and resources for individuals and businesses. The Bill also supports business process reengineering and modernisation of regulatory frameworks in India’s socio-economic context.
Ease of Living
The Bill aligns with the Government’s vision of enhancing ease of living through regulatory reforms. It recognises the role of technology in transforming compliance and governance. The amendments intend to unshackle outdated regulations and promote a trust-based relationship between the Government and citizens. This approach is seen as vital in India’s Amritkaal phase of development.
Legislative Process
The Jan Vishwas Bill, 2025 was introduced by the Union Commerce and Industry Minister in the Lok Sabha. The Speaker referred it to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny. The Committee is expected to submit its report by the first day of the next Parliament session. This step ensures wider consultation and refinement before the Bill is passed into law.
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