The Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026 is a major legal reform passed by the Lok Sabha on April 1, 2026, aimed at decriminalizing minor offences and replacing them with civil penalties. Introduced by Jitin Prasada, the bill amends 79 central laws across 23 ministries.
Out of 784 provisions amended, 717 provisions have been decriminalized, removing jail terms for minor, technical, and procedural violations.
- Minor offences will now attract fines, penalties, or warnings instead of imprisonment.
- Outdated and irrelevant provisions (e.g., under the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871) have been rationalized.
- Focus on trust-based governance and reducing unnecessary legal burden.
