Jan Vishwas Bill 2026: India Replaces Jail with Fines for 717 Minor Offences

• The Jan Vishwas (Amendment Provisions) Bill 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha aims to decriminalise minor offences under several central laws.
• The bill proposes to change 784 specific provisions across 79 central laws, with 717 provisions no longer treated as criminal offences.
• It seeks to reduce the burden on courts by replacing jail time with monetary penalties for minor offences, making lives and businesses easier.
• Examples include updating the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, and the Works of Defence Act, 1903, replacing criminal charges with fines.
• Two Congress MPs, K Kavya and GK Padavi, opposed the bill, arguing it could affect the Constitution's basic structure and encourage corruption.