In a major stride toward regulatory reform, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha today.
The Bill, previously approved by the Union Cabinet, is aimed at expanding India’s ongoing efforts to decriminalise minor offences and simplify compliance requirements for businesses and citizens alike.
Building on the success of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, which had decriminalised 183 provisions across 42 Central Acts, the new Bill proposes sweeping changes across 16 Central Acts administered by 10 Ministries and Departments. A total of 355 provisions are proposed to be amended, with 288 provisions decriminalised to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, and 67 provisions revised to promote Ease of Living.
Table of Contents
Key Features of the Bill
Advisory Measures for First-Time Contraventions
In a notable shift from punitive measures, the Bill proposes advisory notices or warnings for 76 offences under 10 Acts. This will reduce unnecessary litigation and promote a culture of compliance.
Decriminalisation of Minor Offences
The Bill replaces imprisonment clauses related to minor, technical, or procedural defaults with monetary penalties or warnings, making the legal framework more pragmatic.
Rationalisation of Penalties
To ensure proportionality, the Bill introduces graduated penalties for repeat offences, promoting fairness while maintaining deterrence.
Administrative Adjudication Mechanism
Designated officers will be empowered to impose penalties through administrative processes, significantly reducing the burden on the judiciary and expediting resolution of cases.
Automatic Revision of Fines
To keep up with inflation and maintain deterrence, fines and penalties will automatically increase by 10% every three years, eliminating the need for constant legislative amendments.
The Bill also includes 67 amendments under the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to further ease citizens’ day-to-day regulatory compliance.
Focus on Key Sectors
Four specific Acts—the Tea Act, 1953; Legal Metrology Act, 2009; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988; and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940—which were part of the earlier Jan Vishwas Act of 2023, are now proposed for further decriminalisation under the 2025 Bill. This reflects a continued commitment to reform key industrial and consumer sectors, reducing red tape and facilitating a more business-friendly environment.
Government’s Vision: Minimum Government, Maximum Governance
Shri Piyush Goyal emphasized that the Bill reflects the government’s broader philosophy of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.” By shifting the focus from punitive action to advisory measures and streamlined compliance, the reform is poised to catalyze sustainable economic growth and improve the overall ease of doing business in India.
Next Steps in Legislative Process
The Minister requested the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to refer the Bill to the Select Committee for detailed scrutiny. Members of the Committee will be chosen by the Speaker, and the Committee is expected to submit its report by the first day of the next parliamentary session.
