Context:
- Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 has been passed by Lok Sabha in Parliament.
- Through The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, 183 provisions are proposed to be decriminalized in 42 Central Acts.
- Pragmatic revision of fines and penalties commensurate to the offense committed.
- Establishment of Adjudicating Officers.
- Establishment of Appellate Authorities.
- Periodic increase in quantum of fine and penalties.
- Rationalizing criminal provisions: It will contribute to rationalizing criminal provisions and ensuring that citizens, businesses and the government departments operate without fear of imprisonment for minor, technical or procedural defaults.
- Balancing offense and punishment: It establishes a balance between the severity of the offense/violation committed and the gravity of the prescribed punishment.
- Introduction of suitable administrative adjudication mechanisms: It proposes administrative adjudication mechanisms to reduce justice system pressure, case pendency, and inefficiency in justice delivery.
- Decriminalizing minor violations: Decriminalization of provisions which affect citizens and certain categories of government employees will help them live without the fear of imprisonment for minor violations.