Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023

News: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 was passed in Lok Sabha.

What is the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill 2023?
• Through The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, a total of 183 provisions are being proposed to be decriminalized in 42 Central Acts administered by 19 Ministries/Departments.
• Some of the acts which are being amended include The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; Public Debt Act, 1944; Copyright Act, 1957; Patents Act, 1970; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 among others.
• The offences will be decriminalized by either I) eliminating both imprisonment and/or fine II) removing imprisonment while retaining or increasing fines or III) changing imprisonment and/or fine to penalties.

What are the benefits of amendments?
• The Amendment Bill 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.
• This bill establishes a balance between the severity of the offence/violation committed and the gravity of the prescribed punishment.
• Some of the amendments proposed in the Bill would go a long way in reducing undue pressure on the justice system, reduce the pendency of cases and help in a more efficient and effective justice dispensation.
• Consolidated amendments in various laws with a common objective will save time and cost for both Government and Businesses alike.