Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced plans to review approximately five crore pending cases related to minor offences after the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 was passed. The bill aims to streamline the ease of doing business by reducing criminal proceedings for minor regulatory violations. Goyal emphasized that under the new provisions, prosecutors can seek closure of such cases at the local level.
The Jan Vishwas reforms focus on replacing criminal penalties, including imprisonment for minor procedural violations, with graded monetary fines. This shift signifies a move towards a more supportive regulatory framework while maintaining strict actions against serious violations impacting public health and safety. The recently passed Bill by both Houses of Parliament is a significant step towards enhancing Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living in the country.
The amended provisions under the Bill touch upon 784 clauses across 79 Central Acts managed by 23 Ministries. Notably, 717 provisions have been decriminalized to promote business ease, while 67 have been modified to enhance living ease. By rationalizing over 1,000 offences and eliminating minor violations, the Bill aims to create a more business-friendly environment and foster a conducive ecosystem for both businesses and citizens.
Goyal highlighted the government’s shift towards a compliance-based enforcement approach rather than criminal punishment for unintentional law breaches. Regulators are now empowered to issue warnings, improvement notices, or impose minor penalties that may escalate with repeated violations. Criminal prosecution will be reserved for severe offences causing harm to the public, specific societal segments, or public property.
