Government Notifies Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 to Decriminalise Offences

Act NO. 8 OF 2026, Dated 07.04.2026

The Government has notified the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, aimed at decriminalising minor offences, rationalising penalties, and promoting a trust-based governance framework.

1. Objective of the Act

The Act seeks to:

• Reduce criminal liability for procedural and technical defaults
• Promote ease of doing business
• Shift towards a compliance-driven, trust-based regulatory regime

2. Decriminalisation of Offences

A key feature of the Act is:

• Replacement of imprisonment provisions with monetary penalties
• Focus on civil consequences instead of criminal prosecution for specified offences

3. Introduction of Adjudication Mechanism

The Act provides for:

• A structured adjudication framework
• Designated authorities to determine penalties and violations

4. Appeal Framework

• Provision for appeal mechanisms against adjudication orders
• Ensures procedural fairness and legal recourse for affected parties

5. Periodic Revision of Penalties

• Enables periodic revision of fines
• Ensures penalties remain relevant and proportionate over time

6. Impact on Regulatory Landscape

The Act is expected to:

• Reduce compliance burden and litigation risks
• Encourage voluntary compliance
• Improve business confidence and regulatory efficiency

7. Conclusion

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 marks a significant shift towards a modern, facilitative regulatory environment, balancing enforcement with ease of doing business and reduced criminalisation.

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