The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. This significant reform aims to decriminalise minor offences and simplify compliance requirements, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business and living in the National Capital.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the Bill is inspired by the governance philosophy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The legislation intends to alleviate the burden on courts, reduce unnecessary criminalisation, and improve overall administrative efficiency. It aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act enacted by the Centre, which also aims to decriminalise minor and procedural offences across various central laws.
Following an advisory from the Union government, the Delhi Government reviewed its legal framework. The review revealed that civil penalties are often more proportionate than criminal prosecution for minor offences. The Bill proposes that criminal proceedings for minor, technical, and procedural violations will be substituted with civil penalties, administrative fines, and a clearly defined appellate mechanism. However, provisions regarding public health, safety, and matters affecting life will remain intact.
The legislation aims to cover various laws specific to Delhi, including:
Additionally, laws governing professional colleges, diploma-level technical institutions, and bed-and-breakfast establishments will also be included. Under these statutes, minor offences will transition to civil penalties to ensure proportional punishment.
The Bill suggests an automatic 10 percent increase in fines every three years to adjust for inflation. The government has assured that this reform will not impose additional financial burdens or require new posts, as it will be executed using existing departmental resources. The Finance Department has no objections to the proposal, and the Bill is anticipated to be introduced and passed during the upcoming winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
Q1. What is the primary objective of the Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026?
Answer: The primary objective of the Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026, is to decriminalise minor offences and simplify compliance requirements, enhancing both ease of doing business and living in Delhi.
Q2. How does the Bill propose to handle minor offences?
Answer: The Bill proposes to replace criminal proceedings for minor offences with civil penalties and administrative fines, focusing on proportionality in punishment.
Q3. Which laws are included under the Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill?
Answer: The Bill covers several laws such as the Delhi Industrial Development Act, the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, and the Delhi Jal Board Act, among others.
Q4. What is the expected impact of this Bill on administrative efficiency?
Answer: The Bill is expected to improve administrative efficiency by reducing the burden on courts and curbing unnecessary criminalisation of minor offences.
Q5. Will the Bill impose new financial burdens on the government?
Answer: No, the Bill will not impose new financial burdens as it will be implemented using existing departmental resources.
Question 1: What is the main focus of the Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026?
A) Decriminalising minor offences
B) Increasing criminal penalties
C) Enhancing public safety laws
D) Implementing new taxes
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Which of the following acts is included in the Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026?
A) Delhi Water Supply Act
B) Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954
C) Delhi Land Revenue Act
D) Delhi Education Act
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What type of penalties will replace criminal proceedings for minor offences?
A) Administrative fines
B) Criminal sentences
C) Community service
D) Imprisonment
Correct Answer: A
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