New Delhi, December 30, 2025:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the Delhi Cabinet’s approval of the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, aimed at simplifying compliance procedures and decriminalising minor violations. The initiative follows the model of the Central Government’s Jan Vishwas (Amendment Provisions) Act, 2023/2025, under which small, technical, and procedural offences in central laws were removed from the criminal category. The Chief Minister highlighted that the bill is intended to reduce the burden on courts and enhance the effectiveness of the administrative system.
Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the bill is part of Delhi Government’s broader commitment to promoting Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living. She explained that, following the central government’s Jan Vishwas initiative, states and union territories were advised to review their own laws to distinguish minor technical violations from serious offences. The Delhi Government conducted a detailed review of its state-level laws and concluded that in several cases, civil penalties or administrative fines are more appropriate and practical than criminal prosecution.
Balancing Decriminalisation with Discipline
The Chief Minister clarified that the bill does not promote lawlessness but ensures proportionality in penalties. Minor, technical, and procedural offences will be removed from the criminal category, with provisions for civil fines, administrative penalties, and appeals. Serious offences related to public health, safety, and life will continue to carry stringent legal consequences. This approach is expected to reduce the number of pending cases in courts and improve administrative efficiency.
Key Laws Targeted for Amendment
- The bill proposes amendments to several Delhi laws, including:
- Delhi Industrial Development, Operation and Maintenance Act, 2010
- Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954
- National Capital Region ‘Incredible India’ Bed and Breakfast Establishments (Registration & Regulation) Act, 2007
- Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998
- Delhi Jal Board Act, 1998
- Delhi Professional Colleges/Institutions Act, 2007
- Delhi Diploma Level Technical Education Institutions Act, 2007
Under the proposed amendments, minor offences under these laws will be decriminalised and replaced with civil penalties, reducing unnecessary legal proceedings and promoting compliance.
Automatic Penalty Revision and Cost-Neutral Implementation
The bill also includes a provision for automatic 10% increase in fines every three years to ensure penalties remain effective against inflation and rising costs. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised that the implementation of this bill will not impose additional financial burden on the government, nor will it require the creation of new posts. Existing departmental resources will be sufficient, and the Finance Department has raised no objections.
The Chief Minister stated that the bill will be presented for approval in the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly Winter Session, marking a significant step toward simplifying regulatory compliance, promoting business and civic efficiency, and reducing minor offences from the criminal domain while maintaining public discipline and safety.
