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Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha passes Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 in Parliament” published in PIB on 27th July 2023.
What is the News?
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 has been passed in Lok Sabha.
What is the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023?
The Jan Vishwas Bill aims to decriminalize around 180 offences by amending 42 laws across sectors including environment, agriculture, media, industry and publication.
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 1) eliminating both imprisonment and/or fine 2) removing imprisonment while retaining or increasing fines or 3) changing imprisonment and/or fine to penalties.
Moreover, the bill removes all offences under the Post Office Act,1898.
What are the benefits of the Bill?
Firstly, the Bill will help in rationalizing criminal provisions to ensure that citizens, businesses and the government departments operate without fear of imprisonment for minor or technical defaults.
Secondly, the bill establishes a balance between the severity of the offence or violation committed and the gravity of the prescribed punishment.
Thirdly, the technical and procedural lapses and minor defaults had been burdening the justice delivery system and delaying the adjudication of serious offences. Therefore, the bill would reduce undue pressure on the justice system and reduce the pendency of cases.
Fourthly, the decriminalization of provisions which affect citizens and some government employees will help them live without the fear of imprisonment for minor violations.
Lastly, it will help in rationalizing laws, eliminating barriers and bolstering growth of businesses and will save time and cost for both the government and businesses.
