The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, which aims to decriminalize minor offenses, was adopted by the lok sabha on Thursday. This groundbreaking policy will make conducting business easier. The Union Ministry of Commerce and industry first introduced the legislation under consideration to the parliament in december of last year.

A Joint Committee of the parliament was then requested to review it. Six of the seven fundamental recommendations made by the JPC to parliament during the budget session in march were accepted by the Union Cabinet.

What is the bill proposing?
The Jan vishwas Bill aims to decriminalize around 180 activities by amending 42 laws spanning 42 distinct fields, including the environment, agriculture, radio, and publishing. Aayushi: Among the laws that are being altered are the Public Debt Act of 1944, the Pharmacy Act of 1948, the Cinematograph Act of 1952, the Copyright Act of 1957, the Patents Act of 1970, the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, and the Motor vehicles Act of 1988.

The Trade Marks Act of 1999, the Railways Act of 1989, the Information technology Act of 2000, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of 2002, the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, the Legal Metrology Act of 2009, and the Factoring Regulation Act of 2011 are additional laws.

In order to improve the business climate and the welfare of the general population, decriminalization would result in the abolition of the prison term in specific situations or the conversion of fines into penalties. Additionally, any Post office Act of 1898 infractions are being stopped. A variety of Union ministries, including those in charge of money, food production and distribution, financial services, agriculture, commerce, the environment, roads and highways, postal, electronics, and IT, are responsible for administering these 42 laws.

How will the Citizens benefit from it?
The Bill will aid in the rationalisation of criminal legislation so that people, organisations, and governmental bodies may operate without fear of being imprisoned for minor or technically wrong offences. Between the severity of the crime or violation committed and the severity of the punishment prescribed, the proposed law achieves a balance.

Technical and administrative flaws, minor inaccuracies, and delays in determining serious offences have all hampered the legal system. The measure would thus reduce the load on the court system and decrease the duration of outstanding cases.
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Jan Vishwas Bill

S Venkateshwari

31/07/2023 04:30 AM