The Delhi Cabinet, in a significant move aimed at regulatory reform, granted its approval on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, to the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. This landmark legislation seeks to decriminalise a host of minor offences, converting them into matters that will be resolved through civil penalties instead.
Easing Business and Life, Unclogging Courts
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in a statement released by her office, emphasised the dual benefits of the proposed law. The Bill is designed to simplify both business operations and the daily lives of Delhi's citizens by removing the threat of criminal prosecution for trivial violations. A major expected outcome is the substantial reduction in the burden on the city's already overworked judicial system, allowing courts to focus on more serious crimes.
CM Gupta confirmed that the government plans to introduce and pass the Bill in the upcoming winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The session is scheduled to commence on January 5, 2026.
Key Laws and Acts Under the Bill's Ambit
The Jan Vishwas Bill casts a wide net, bringing amendments to several important state laws. The objective is to replace criminal clauses with monetary fines or other administrative actions. Some of the prominent acts included are:
- The Delhi Industrial Development, Operation and Maintenance Act
- The Delhi Shops and Establishments Act
- The National Capital Territory of Delhi ‘Incredible India’ Bed and Breakfast Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act
- The Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act
- The Delhi Jal Board Act
- The Delhi Professional Colleges/Institutions Act
- The Delhi Diploma-Level Technical Education Institutions Act
Automatic Fine Escalation and Future Implications
A notable provision within the Bill is the mechanism for an automatic 10 percent increase in the prescribed fines every three years. This built-in escalation is likely intended to keep the penalties relevant and act as a deterrent against inflation eroding their value.
The passage of this Bill represents a proactive step by the Delhi government towards creating a more business-friendly environment and fostering what it terms as "ease of living." By shifting the focus from prosecution to compliance for minor infractions, the administration hopes to reduce the fear of inadvertent criminalisation among entrepreneurs and common citizens, while simultaneously making the legal and regulatory framework more rational and efficient.
