In a major reform aimed at easing compliance and reducing unnecessary legal burdens, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has approved the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. The Bill seeks to decriminalise minor, technical and procedural offences across several Delhi laws, replacing criminal penalties with civil fines and administrative actions.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Cabinet-approved Bill is designed to simplify enforcement processes, reduce litigation, and make governance more citizen-friendly. The move aligns Delhi’s legal framework with the Centre’s Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023/2025, which decriminalised minor offences in several central laws.
Focus on Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business
According to the Chief Minister, the Bill aims to promote Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living by ensuring proportional punishment. Following the Centre’s advisory to states and Union Territories to review their laws, the Delhi government conducted an in-depth assessment and identified multiple provisions where criminal penalties were excessive for minor violations.
Under the proposed law, small procedural lapses will no longer lead to criminal cases. Instead, they will attract civil penalties, administrative fines, and structured appeal mechanisms—while serious offences related to public safety, health, and life will continue to attract strict punishment.
Reducing Court Burden, Improving Governance
The government stressed that the Bill does not promote lawlessness. Rather, it ensures fairness and proportionality in punishment. By eliminating criminal prosecution for minor violations, the Bill is expected to significantly reduce the burden on courts and improve administrative efficiency.
Automatic Penalty Revision Every Three Years
One of the key provisions of the Bill is an automatic 10% increase in fines every three years, ensuring penalties remain effective despite inflation and rising costs. The government clarified that the implementation of the Bill will not impose any additional financial burden, nor will it require the creation of new posts. Existing departmental resources will be used, and the Finance Department has raised no objections.
The Bill is expected to be tabled and passed in the upcoming Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly.
Laws Proposed to Be Amended
The Bill proposes amendments to the following Delhi laws:
●Delhi Industrial Development, Operation and Maintenance Act, 2010
●Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954
NCR “Incredible India” Bed & Breakfast Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2007
●Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998
●Delhi Jal Board Act, 1998
●Delhi Professional Colleges/Institutions Act, 2007
●Delhi Diploma-Level Technical Education Institutions Act, 2007
Under these laws, minor offences will be decriminalised and converted into civil penalties.
