Cabinet Approves Janvishwas Bill: Corporate Offences Decriminalized Under 42 Laws (Still Needs Parliament's Approval)

According to sources cited by CNBC Awaaz, the Janvishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill has received approval from the Cabinet on July 12. The bill aims to reduce the compliance burden on companies, thus facilitating ease of doing business. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by all ministers, took place amidst speculation of a ministerial reshuffle before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Janvishwas Bill

The bill proposes the decriminalization of various offences under 42 laws and is expected to be presented during the Monsoon session of Parliament. The move comes after the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” report ranked India at the 63rd position, an improvement from the 77th rank in 2018. In response, the central government requested 19 ministries to eliminate outdated provisions within the 42 laws.

Proposed Amendments Seek to Decriminalize Minor Offenses and Improve Judicial Efficiency

Union Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha in December of the previous year. It was then referred to a 31-member joint parliamentary committee for review. The committee’s report, presented on March 20, stated that decriminalizing minor offenses would alleviate the burden on the judiciary and prisons, while also facilitating business operations and individuals’ daily lives.

The proposed amendments include the introduction of suitable adjudication mechanisms, wherever applicable and feasible, for handling minor offenses. This would not only reduce the load on the judiciary and unclog courts but also contribute to efficient justice dispensation. The Acts being amended encompass a range of laws such as The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; Public Debt Act, 1944; Pharmacy Act, 1948; Cinematograph Act, 1952; Copyright Act, 1957; Patents Act, 1970; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

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