The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 has been passed by both Houses of Parliament, marking a landmark step in India’s ongoing effort to enhance Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living. The Bill amends 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries, decriminalising minor offences and replacing imprisonment-based penalties with graded monetary penalties — reflecting a shift toward trust-based, proportionate governance.
What is Jan Vishwas Bill?
- The Jan Vishwas initiative aims to build a trust-based governance framework by removing outdated and disproportionate criminal penalties for minor procedural violations.
- It reduces the compliance burden on individuals, businesses and healthcare professionals.
- Core philosophy: Serious violations continue to attract strict action, while minor procedural lapses are handled through civil penalties and adjudication rather than criminal courts.
Key Highlights of the Bill
- Scale of Reform: The Bill amends 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 different ministries.
- Criminal to Civil Penalty Framework: Criminal penalties in more than 1,000 offences- particularly imprisonment for minor procedural violations have been replaced with graded monetary penalties.
- Decriminalisation: Out of the amended provisions, 717 have been decriminalised, replacing criminal penalties (such as imprisonment) for minor procedural or technical lapses with graded civil penalties or administrative mechanisms.
- Administrative Adjudication: A structured adjudication mechanism has been introduced as an alternative to court proceedings for minor violations. It introduces the appointment of Adjudicating Officers and Appellate Authorities to resolve minor violations outside the traditional court system, aiming to reduce the burden on the judiciary.
- Graded Enforcement: For first-time and minor lapses, the Bill provides for warnings or advisories before imposing monetary penalties, giving businesses and individuals a fair opportunity to comply.
- Dynamic Penalty Framework: Fines and penalties specified in the Bill are subject to a 10% increase every three years, ensuring they remain effective as a deterrent over time.
Major Acts Amended
The Bill impacts critical sectors including health, transport, and municipal administration:
- Health Sector: Amends the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010.
- Transport & Infrastructure: Includes changes to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Railways Act, 1989, and National Highways Act, 1956.
- Municipal Reforms: Updates the New Delhi Municipal Council Act, 1994, standardising property tax under the Unit Area Method.
- Other Key Acts: Covers the Copyright Act, 1957, Patents Act, 1970, Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, and Legal Metrology Act, 2009
Health Sector Reforms- Key Legislations Amended
The Bill makes significant amendments across five key health sector laws:
| Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 | Imprisonment replaced with financial penalties; adjudication mechanism introduced (Sec 27A(ii), 28A). Minor cosmetic violations (non-spurious/adulterated) handled via civil penalties without court intervention · Procedural lapses (non-maintenance of documents/non-submission of information) under civil adjudication Provision for appointment of Adjudicating Authorities by Centre & States (first time) Key beneficiary: Cosmetics industry with predictable regulatory framework |
| Pharmacy Act, 1948 | Penalty provisions modernised with increased financial penalties Enhances accountability and aligns with updated legal framework |
| Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 | Penalties streamlined and made proportionate to nature of offence Ensures balance between regulatory oversight and ease of compliance |
| Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 | Monetary penalties emphasised for non-compliance not posing immediate risk to patient safety Promotes corrective action without criminal proceedings |
| National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 | Strengthened compliance with professional standards Penalties designed to deter violations while maintaining proportionality |