The Lok Sabha on March 27, 2026, issued the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Bill proposes amendments to several Acts to reduce criminal liability for minor violations and instead impose monetary penalties. It introduces a system of adjudicating officers for imposing penalties and appellate authorities for appeals, ensuring faster resolution without court involvement. Many provisions replace imprisonment with fines/penalties, especially for procedural or technical defaults.
• A key feature is the periodic increase in fines, where penalties will rise by 10% every three years, ensuring they remain effective over time. The Bill also standardises procedures such as inquiry, adjudication, and appeal mechanisms across various laws.
• Additionally, it ensures that past actions and legal rights remain unaffected (saving clause) and empowers the Central Government to resolve implementation difficulties within two years of commencement.
• Overall, the Bill focuses on:
o Decriminalisation of minor offences
o Shift from punishment to penalties
o Ease of compliance and business
o Faster dispute resolution through administrative mechanisms
The detailed notification is attached below.
[Bill No. 104 of 2026]
