Context:

• Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 has been passed by Lok Sabha in Parliament.

About the bill:

• Through The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023,  183 provisions are proposed to be decriminalized in  42 Central Acts.

Measures Proposed:

• 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.

Benefits of the Amendment Bill:

1. 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.
2. Balancing offense and punishment: It  establishes a balance between the severity of the offense/violation committed and the gravity of the prescribed punishment. 
3. Introduction of suitable administrative adjudication mechanisms: It  proposes administrative adjudication mechanisms to reduce justice system pressure, case pendency, and inefficiency in justice delivery.
4. 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.

News Source: PIB