The Delhi Cabinet, drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. This bill aims to decriminalize minor offenses and promote Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, as stated by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The Bill, passed by the Delhi Cabinet, seeks to simplify compliance procedures and reduce the burden on courts by decriminalizing minor violations, enhancing administrative efficiency.
Chief Minister Gupta highlighted that the Bill aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023/2025, previously implemented by the Central Government. Through this legislation, the Delhi government is committed to fostering Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living. The Bill intends to replace criminal proceedings for minor, technical, and procedural violations with civil penalties, administrative fines, and an appellate mechanism, ensuring proportionality in punishment.
The proposed Bill encompasses various Acts such as the Delhi Industrial Development, Operation and Maintenance Act, 2010; Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954; and others. It suggests an automatic 10% increase in fines every three years post-implementation to keep penalties effective with inflation. The Bill does not impose additional financial burdens, require new posts, and will be executed using existing departmental resources, according to the Chief Minister. The Finance Department has not raised objections, and the Bill is set for passage in the upcoming winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
