New Delhi, August 18 (HS): The Lok Sabha on Monday referred the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to a Select Committee for detailed examination, amid noisy protests from Opposition members.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal introduced the Bill in the House, arguing that it seeks to promote “trust-based governance”, reduce compliance burdens, and make business and daily life easier. The Bill was later referred to the committee through a voice vote. The committee’s rules and scope will be decided by the Speaker, and it is expected to submit its report on the first day of the Winter Session.

Key Objectives of the Bill

The amendment aims to decriminalize minor offences, rationalize penalties, and ease legal procedures in order to strengthen transparency and reduce judicial burden. Instead of imprisonment for small violations, the Bill introduces warnings for first-time offenders and monetary penalties for subsequent violations—significantly shifting away from the previous punitive approach.

Proposed Changes Across Multiple Laws

The Bill introduces amendments in several key legislations, including:

-Motor Vehicles Act: First-time violation to attract only a warning.

-Drugs and Cosmetics Act: Replacing jail terms with fines up to ₹30,000.

-Electricity Act: Removing three-month imprisonment clause; introducing fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh.

-Legal Metrology Act: Warning for first violation, penalties thereafter.

-Other proposed changes include modifications to the RBI Act, Delhi Municipal Acts (MCD & NDMC), Tea Act, Central Silk Board Act, and others.

According to the government, the Jan Vishwas Bill is a major step towards “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” philosophy. It is also positioned as a crucial reform to support Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business, expected to bring relief to both citizens and businesses by cutting down the fear of criminal prosecution for minor lapses.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar