Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0: Decriminalising Minor Offences
Why in the news
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Union Budget 2025-26 speech that a second Jan Vishwas Bill would be brought in to remove criminal liability from many dated provisions and improve ease of doing business.
Key facts
- Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 continues the work of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
- Target: decriminalise over 100 outdated legal provisions.
- Nodal body: DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), reviewing about 100 rules and laws across departments.
- Goal: update regulation to match today’s technology and business environment.
Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 at a glance
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Enacted | August 2023 |
| Acts covered | 42 central Acts |
| Criminal provisions removed | 183 |
| Ministries and departments | 19 |
| Method | Civil fines and administrative action in place of criminal penalties |
Aims of Bill 2.0
- Further decriminalisation of technical and procedural lapses to reduce fear of prosecution.
- Modernisation of legal provisions to build investor confidence.
- Simpler legal processes that ease the load on courts, keeping penalties proportionate.
Expected impact
- Encourages entrepreneurship and a business-friendly climate.
- Saves time and cost for government and judiciary.
Exam angle
- Announced in: Union Budget 2025-26.
- Predecessor: Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 (42 Acts, 183 provisions).
- Related terms: decriminalisation, ease of doing business.