Reforms – Parliament Approves Bill To Decriminalise Minor Offences Nationwide
Reforms – India has taken another step toward simplifying its legal framework after Parliament approved a key amendment aimed at removing criminal penalties for minor offences. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, has now been cleared by both Houses, marking a continued push toward improving ease of doing business and everyday compliance.
Shift Toward Civil Penalties
The newly passed legislation focuses on converting a number of minor criminal offences into civil violations. Lawmakers have argued that such changes will help reduce the burden on courts while ensuring that individuals and businesses are not unnecessarily drawn into criminal proceedings for relatively minor infractions.
The Bill received approval in the Lok Sabha earlier this week, followed by its passage in the Rajya Sabha shortly after. With this, several provisions across different laws will be amended or removed entirely, reflecting a broader policy shift toward rationalising outdated rules.
Changes to Delhi Police Act Provisions
Among the notable amendments are changes to the Delhi Police Act, 1978. One of the provisions set to be removed is Section 95, which previously imposed a fine of up to Rs 100 in cases where a child under the age of seven caused a public nuisance, such as relieving themselves near a public place or street. Authorities have now decided that such situations should not be treated as punishable offences under criminal law.
Another significant change concerns Section 102(c) of the same Act. This provision earlier allowed for imprisonment of up to three months if a person was found in a building, vehicle, or residence during nighttime hours without a satisfactory explanation. The amendment removes this clause, effectively eliminating the possibility of criminal punishment in such circumstances.
Reducing Legal Burden on Citizens
Officials believe that these changes will make legal compliance less intimidating for ordinary citizens. Minor and often situational acts that previously attracted criminal penalties will now be treated with a more balanced approach.
Legal experts have noted that such reforms can help prevent misuse of laws while also reducing unnecessary arrests and litigation. By replacing criminal liability with civil penalties or removing certain provisions altogether, the system aims to become more practical and citizen-friendly.
Continuation of Earlier Reform Efforts
This move builds upon the earlier Jan Vishwas Act of 2023, which had already decriminalised 183 provisions across 42 different laws. The current amendment expands that effort, reinforcing the government’s broader goal of streamlining regulations and improving administrative efficiency.
Policymakers have consistently highlighted that outdated and overly punitive provisions can discourage economic activity and create avoidable friction in daily life. By reviewing and updating such laws, authorities aim to create a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment.
Impact on Business and Governance
The latest reforms are also expected to benefit businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises that often struggle with complex compliance requirements. By reducing the risk of criminal prosecution for minor lapses, the new framework could encourage entrepreneurship and reduce compliance costs.
At the same time, the emphasis on civil penalties ensures that accountability is maintained without resorting to harsh legal consequences. This balance is seen as essential for modern governance, where efficiency and fairness must go hand in hand.
A Gradual but Significant Transformation
While the changes may appear limited in scope, experts suggest they represent a broader transformation in how laws are framed and enforced in India. The shift away from criminalisation of minor offences reflects a growing recognition that not all violations require strict punitive measures.
As more laws come under review in the future, similar reforms could further simplify the legal system, making it more aligned with present-day needs and expectations.