Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill and Governance Reform

Background of the Decision

Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill and Governance Reform: The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, marking a significant step towards governance reform in the National Capital. The Bill focuses on decriminalising minor and procedural offences under several Delhi-specific laws. This move aims to simplify compliance requirements and reduce the fear of criminal prosecution for technical violations.

The decision reflects a broader shift in administrative thinking, where regulation is balanced with facilitation. By reducing unnecessary criminalisation, the government seeks to improve both ease of living for citizens and ease of doing business for enterprises operating in Delhi.

Policy Rationale and Governance Philosophy

Addressing the media, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the Bill draws inspiration from the governance philosophy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The emphasis is on trust-based governance rather than punitive control.

The Bill aligns closely with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act enacted by the Union government. That central legislation decriminalised minor offences across multiple laws, setting a template for states to follow. Delhi’s move reflects cooperative federalism in legal reform.

Static GK fact: Criminal law in India falls under the Concurrent List, allowing both Parliament and State Legislatures to enact reforms within their jurisdiction.

Shift from Criminal to Civil Penalties

A key feature of the Bill is the replacement of criminal proceedings with civil penalties and administrative fines for minor, technical, and procedural violations. The Delhi Government reviewed its legal framework following an advisory from the Union government and found that criminal prosecution was often disproportionate for such offences.

The Bill introduces a defined appellate mechanism, ensuring that penalties can be challenged through proper administrative channels. Importantly, offences related to public health, safety, and matters affecting life remain outside the scope of decriminalisation.

Static GK Tip: Civil penalties focus on compliance and correction, while criminal penalties involve prosecution and potential imprisonment.

Laws Covered Under the Bill

The proposed legislation brings several Delhi laws within its ambit. These include the Delhi Industrial Development, Operation and Maintenance Act, 2010, Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, Delhi Jal Board Act, 1998, and Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998.

Additionally, laws governing professional colleges, diploma-level technical institutions, and bed-and-breakfast establishments are proposed to be covered. Under these statutes, minor offences will be converted into civil penalties to ensure proportionality in punishment and reduce regulatory harassment.

Static GK fact: The Delhi Shops and Establishments Act regulates working conditions in commercial establishments and is a frequently tested topic in state-level exams.

Implementation and Legislative Roadmap

The Bill proposes an automatic 10 per cent increase in fines every three years to account for inflation. This ensures that penalties remain effective over time without frequent legislative amendments. The government has clarified that the reform will not impose any additional financial burden on the exchequer.

The Finance Department has raised no objections, and implementation will rely on existing departmental resources, without creating new posts. The Bill is expected to be introduced and passed in the upcoming winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, completing the legislative process.

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Delhi Jan Vishwas Bill and Governance Reform: