Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

A Major Step to Ease Laws and Build Trust

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Shatakshi Sharma
Shatakshi Sharma

Published on: Aug 20, 2025

Shweta Khandelwal
Shweta Khandelwal

Updated on: Aug 20, 2025

(16 Ratings)
765

The Union Government has introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, aiming to simplify laws, reduce legal burden, and build trust between citizens, businesses, and the State. The Bill is part of India’s broader push for “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and supports ongoing reforms in Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living.

Many old laws still carry criminal penalties—even for small or technical mistakes. This creates fear, increases court cases, and discourages honest businesses. The Jan Vishwas Bill aims to fix that by:

  1. Replacing jail terms with fines for minor violations,
  2. Introducing warnings for first-time offences,
  3. Empowering officers to settle issues without going to court, and
  4. Removing outdated or irrelevant rules from colonial times.

This reform is especially important in today’s fast-changing economic and digital environment. It promotes a more business-friendly, citizen-first legal system.

Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Inserted Section 58(G)(1A) NA If a non-banking financial company fails to provide required documents, information, or answers as mandated, RBI may impose a penalty up to ₹1 lakh per offence, and an additional ₹5,000 per day if the default continues.
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 33-I(2) (Penalty for manufacture, sale, etc., of Ayurvedic, Siddha or Unani drug in contravention of this Chapter) Anyone who violates provisions of this Chapter, Section 24 (as applied by Section 33H), or related rules may face imprisonment up to six months and a fine of not less than ₹10,000. Anyone who violates provisions of this Chapter (as applied by Section 33H) or related rules shall be liable to a fine of not less than ₹30,000
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 14 (Penalties) Anyone who, in a return, knowingly makes a false statement or fails to produce account books or records when required, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to 1 year or with a fine up to ₹1,000, or both. Anyone who, in a return, knowingly makes a false statement or fails to produce account books or records when required, shall be warned at the first instance, and in case of continuing or repeated offences, he shall be liable to a penalty of not less than ₹25,000 but may extend to ₹1,00,000
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 37 (Penalty for making false return) Anyone required to submit a return under this Act who fails to do so or submits a false return knowingly shall be liable to a fine of up to ₹1,000. Anyone required to submit a return under this Act who fails to do so or submits a false return knowingly shall be warned at the first instance, and in case of subsequent contraventions, he shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to ₹1,00,000
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 20 (Penalties) Any person who violates Section 12 shall be liable to a fine of up to ₹500, and anyone who attempts or helps in such a violation will also be considered to have contravened the provisions. Omitted
Section 21 (Offences by companies) If a company commits an offence under Section 12, both the company and every person responsible for its business at that time are considered guilty and liable for punishment, unless they prove the offence happened without their knowledge or despite due diligence. Additionally, if the offence occurred with the consent, connivance, or negligence of any company officer like a director or manager, that officer is also deemed guilty and punishable. Omitted
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 330 (Prohibition of removal, etc., of lamps) No person shall, without lawful authority, take, break, throw down, or damage any lamp, lamp post, electric wire, or supporting structures in public streets or places, nor shall they wilfully or negligently extinguish the light of any such lamp. Anyone causing such damage or extinguishing the light may face penalties in addition to other consequences. Omitted
Section 337(4)(When building or work may be proceeded with) Before starting the construction of a building or any work within the specified time, the person must notify the Commissioner of the planned start date. Omitted
Section 361(1), 361(3) (Latrines and urinals, etc., in new buildings) No building can be constructed or work carried out without providing latrine, urinal, and bathing or washing facilities on each floor as prescribed by the Commissioner. Residential buildings with separate units must have at least one latrine and one bathing or washing area for servants on the ground floor or another suitable location on the premises. Omitted
Section 401(Care of naked lights) No one shall place a naked light on or near any building in public areas in a way that could cause a fire hazard, except for using lights during festivals or public and private events. Omitted
Section 410 (Prohibition of use of unlicenced markets) No person shall sell or display for sale any animal or item in a market that is operating without a valid licence, or where the licence is currently suspended or cancelled, if such a licence is required under the Act. Omitted
Section 414 (Power to expel lepers and disturbers, etc. from markets) The person in charge of a market must prevent entry or expel anyone suffering from leprosy with ulceration, any dangerous disease, or anyone creating a disturbance, especially if they handle or sell items without purchasing them. Omitted
Scetion 461(1)(a)(Punishment for certain offences) Whoever violates any provision listed in the first column of the Table in the Twelfth Schedule of this Act shall be liable for penalties as specified. Whoever violates any provision listed in the first column of the Table in Part-A of the Twelfth Schedule
Section 461A (A. Penalty for certain violations) NA Anyone who violates or fails to comply with the provisions listed in Column (1) of the Table in Part-B of the Twelfth Schedule, or disobeys any lawful order or requisition under those provisions, shall be liable to the penalty mentioned in Column (3) and a daily penalty in Column (4) for continued non-compliance. However, for a first-time offence under certain specified sections, a warning notice will be issued before any penalty is imposed.
Section 465 (General penalty) Anyone who violates any provision of this Act or fails to comply with a notice, order, or requisition—where no specific penalty is provided—may be fined up to ₹100, and for continuing violations, an additional ₹20 per day after the first day Anyone who violates any provision of this Act or fails to comply with a notice, order, or requisition—where no specific penalty is mentioned—will initially be liable to a penalty of ₹500, and for continuing violations, an additional ₹50 per day. The penalty will be imposed as per the procedure laid out in Section 468A of this Act.
Section 482 (Penalty for breaches of bye-laws) General Penalty for Bye-law Violation:
  • Fine may extend up to ₹500.
  • Fine up to ₹20 per day after receiving notice from the Commissioner or authorised municipal officer, until the violation is stopped.

Special Provision for Road Transport Services:

Punishable with:

  • Imprisonment up to 3 months, or
  • Fine up to ₹1,500, or
  • Both imprisonment and fine.
Any bye-law under this Act may impose the following penalties for contravention:
  • Penalty up to ₹500; or
  • Penalty up to ₹50 per day for continuing contravention after receiving a notice from the Commissioner or authorised municipal officer to stop the contravention.
The procedure for imposing these penalties will follow the process outlined in section 468A.
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 30 (Offences and penalties)
  1. If an employer fails to engage the required number of apprentices, they will receive a written notice to explain the shortfall.
  2. If the employer:
    • Fails to respond to the notice on time, or
    • Gives unsatisfactory reasons,
    They will be fined ₹500 per apprentice shortfall per month for the first three months, and ₹1,000 per month thereafter until the seats are filled.
  3. Penalties of ₹1,000 per occurrence apply if an employer or any person:
    • Refuses or neglects to furnish required information or returns,
    • Provides false information or answers,
    • Denies authorized officers reasonable access for inspection or inquiry,
    • Makes apprentices work overtime without approval,
    • Employs apprentices on unrelated work,
    • Pays apprentices on a piecework basis,
    • Requires apprentices to participate in output bonus/incentive schemes,
    • Engages unqualified apprentices,
    • Fails to fulfill apprenticeship contract terms.
  1. If any employer or person:
    • Fails to engage the required number of apprentices as per the Act or rules.
    • Refuses or neglects to furnish required information or returns, or provides false information.
    • Refuses to answer questions necessary for obtaining required information.
    • Denies reasonable facility for entry, inspection, or inquiry by authorized Apprenticeship Advisers.
    • Requires an apprentice to work overtime without approval.
    • Employs an apprentice on work unrelated to their training.
    • Pays an apprentice based on piece-work.
    • Requires an apprentice to participate in bonus or incentive schemes.
    • Engages an unqualified person as an apprentice.
    • Fails to fulfill terms of the apprenticeship contract.
    For the first contravention, the person shall receive an advisory. For subsequent contraventions, they may face censure, warning, or penalty as prescribed, after a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Section 31(Penalty where no specific penalty is provided) If any employer or person contravenes any provision of the Act not covered by a specific punishment in Section 30, they shall be punishable with a fine of not less than ₹1,000 and up to ₹3,000. If any employer or person contravenes any provision of the Act or of any rules made thereunder for which no penalty is provided in section 30, he shall be liable for the first contravention with advisory and for every subsequent contravention with censure or warning or a penalty under the provisions of this Act, in the manner as may be prescribed, after giving a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 17(Power to prohibit exports and internal marketing of textiles and textile machinery)
  1. If any person violates an order prohibiting:
    • Export of textiles or textile machinery, or
    • Sale of textiles or textile machinery for internal consumption,
  2. Then, on conviction:
    • First offence: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.
    • Second or subsequent offence: Imprisonment up to 1 year and fine.
Unless the court specifies special and adequate reasons, imprisonment shall be at least 3 months
  1. If any person violates an order prohibiting:
    • Export of textiles or textile machinery, or
    • Sale of textiles or textile machinery for internal consumption,Then, on conviction:
      • First offence: Warned at the first instance;
      • continuing or repeated contravention: Liable to a penalty up to ₹25,000.
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 10(Penalty for contravention of orders made under section 3) Whoever produces any article or class of articles in contravention of an order made under section 3 shall be punishable with imprisonment for up to six months or a fine up to ₹5,000 per loom used to produce the article(s), or both. In case of continuing contravention, an additional fine of up to ₹500 per loom for every day the contravention continues after the first conviction shall apply Whoever produces any article or class of articles in contravention of an order made under section 3 shall be:
  • Imprisonment up to 3 months, or
  • Fine not less than ₹10,000 and up to ₹25,000 per loom producing the article(s), or
  • Both imprisonment and fine.
  • For continuing or repeated contravention:
    Additional fine of ₹1,000 per loom per day, which may increase up to ₹5,000 per loom per day for the duration of the contravention after the first conviction.
Section 11(False statement) When a person:
  1. Provides false information or statement when required to furnish info or sample (Section 6),
  2. Fails to produce or damage required documents (Section 7).
Punishment:
  1. Up to 3 months imprisonment, or
  2. Fine up to ₹5,000, or
  3. Both.
When a person:
  1. Provides false information or statement when required to furnish info or sample (Section 6),
  2. Fails to produce or damage required documents (Section 7).
Punishment:
Fine not less than ₹10,000 and up to ₹25,000.
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 19(3) (Power to prohibit or control imports and exports of Scheduled products) If any person violates any order under Section 19(1), they shall be punishable with:
  1. Imprisonment up to 1 year, or
  2. Fine, or
  3. Both,
without affecting any confiscation or penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.
If any person violates any order under sub-section (1), they shall be liable to a penalty of not less than ₹10,000 or up to twice the value of the goods involved, whichever is higher
Section 22 (Penalty for making false reports) Any person required to furnish a return under this Act who either fails to do so or provides a false return knowingly or without belief in its truth shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to ₹500. Any person required to furnish a return under this Act who:
  1. Fails to furnish the return:
    • Warned for the first contravention
    • For every subsequent contravention within 3 years, liable to a penalty of ₹10,000 or more
  2. Furnishes a return with false particulars knowingly or without belief in its truth: May be warned or liable to a penalty of ₹10,000 or more, or both
Section 23(Penalties for obstructing a member or officer of the Authority in the discharge of his duty and for failure to produce books and records) Any person who:
  1. Obstructs any authorised member, officer, or employee of the Authority in exercising their powers or duties under this Act; or
  2. Controls or has custody of any account book or record and fails to produce it when required under this Act,shall be punishable with:
    • Imprisonment up to 6 months, or
    • Fine up to ₹1,000, or
    • Both.
Omitted
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 8(8)( Grant of learner’s licence) Any learner’s licence for driving a motor cycle in force immediately before the commencement of this Act shall, after such commencement, be deemed to be effective for driving a motor cycle with or without gear. Omitted
Section 9(9)(Grant of driving licence) Any driving licence for driving a motor cycle in force immediately before the commencement of this Act shall, after such commencement, be deemed to be effective for driving a motor cycle with or without gear. Omitted
Section 14(2)(Proviso) NA Provided that every driving licence shall, notwithstanding its expiry under this sub-section, continue to be effective for a period of thirty days from the date of such expiry.
Section 55 If a motor vehicle is destroyed or permanently unusable, the owner must, within 14 days, report this to the registering authority in their area and submit the registration certificate of the vehicle. If a motor vehicle is destroyed or permanently unusable, the owner must, within 30 days, report this to the registering authority in their area and submit the registration certificate of the vehicle.
Section 157 (Transfer of certificate of insurance) The transferee must apply to the insurer within 14 days of the vehicle transfer to update the certificate and policy of insurance in their name. The transferee must apply to the insurer within 30 days of the vehicle transfer to update the certificate and policy of insurance in their name.
Section 177 (General provision for punishment of offences) If no specific penalty is provided, any violation of the Act, rules, regulations, or notifications is punishable:
  • First offence: Fine up to ₹100
  • Second or subsequent offence: Fine up to ₹300
If no specific penalty is provided, any violation of the Act, rules, regulations, or notifications is punishable:
  • First offence: Warning (to be recorded as prescribed by the Central Government)
  • Second or subsequent offence: Minimum ₹500, up to ₹1,500
Section 190(2)( Using vehicle in unsafe condition) If a person drives, or allows someone to drive, a motor vehicle in a public place that fails to meet prescribed road safety, noise, or air pollution standards:
  • First offence: Fine of ₹1,000.
  • Second or subsequent offence: Fine of ₹2,000.
If a person drives or allows a motor vehicle to be driven in any public place, contravening prescribed standards:
  1. Road Safety or Air Pollution Violations
    • First contravention:
      • Subject to a penalty up to ₹10,000, and
      • Disqualification of their driving licence for 3 months.
    • Second or subsequent offence:
      • Imprisonment up to 6 months, or
      • Fine up to ₹10,000, or Both imprisonment and fine.
  2. Noise Pollution Violations
    • First contravention:
      Warning issued, recorded as prescribed by the Central Government.
    • Second or subsequent contravention:
      Penalty up to ₹10,000.
Section 194F(Use of horns and silence zones)

Whoever does any of the following:

While driving a motor vehicle:

  1. Needlessly, continuously, or excessively uses the horn, or
  2. Uses the horn in areas where traffic signs prohibit it,
  3. Drives a vehicle using a cut-out that allows exhaust gases to escape without passing through a silencer,

Shall be punishable with:

  1. ₹1,000 fine for the first offence, and
  2. ₹2,000 fine for second or subsequent offences.

Whoever does any of the following:

While driving a motor vehicle:

  1. Needlessly, continuously, or excessively uses the horn, or
  2. Uses the horn in areas where traffic signs prohibit it,
  3. Drives a vehicle using a cut-out that allows exhaust gases to escape without passing through a silencer,

Shall be punishable with:

  1. For the first contravention:
    A warning shall be issued, and it will be officially recorded as per rules prescribed by the Central Government.
  2. For any second or subsequent contravention:
    A penalty of not less than ₹1,000, which may extend up to ₹2,000, shall be imposed
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 146(Punishment for non-compliance of orders or directions)

Whoever fails to comply with any order or direction under this Act within the specified time, or contravenes, attempts, or abets contravention of any provision or related rules/regulations, shall be:

  1. Punishable with imprisonment up to 3 months, or
  2. Fine up to ₹1,00,000, or
  3. Both imprisonment and fine for each offence.

In case of continuing failure, an additional fine of up to ₹5,000 per day will be imposed for every day the offence continues after the first conviction

Whoever fails to comply with any order or direction under this Act within the specified time, or contravenes, attempts, or abets contravention of any provision or related rules/regulations, shall be:

  1. Punishable with fine which shall not be less than ₹10,000 but which may extend to ₹1,00,000

In case of continuing failure, an additional fine which shall not be less than ₹1,000 but which may extend to₹50,000

Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 27(Penalty for contravention of section 8 or section 22 or section 26)
  1. Penalty for Intentional Contravention under Sections 8(1) and 26(2):
    • First conviction: Fine up to ₹1,000.
    • Second or subsequent conviction: Fine of at least ₹1,000, up to ₹10,000.
  2. Penalty for Buyer Contravening Section 22: Punishable with a fine of not less than ₹10,000.
  1. Penalty for willful false information (Sec. 8) or non-compliance (Sec. 26(2)):
    • First instance: Warning issued.
    • Second or subsequent instance: Penalty up to ₹50,000.
  2. For buyer contravening Section 22: Punishable with fine which shall not be less than ₹10,000.
Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 25(Penalty for use of non-standard weight or measure)
  1. First Offence:
    Punishable with fine up to ₹1,00,000.
  2. Second Offence:
    Punishable with fine which may extend to ₹2,00,000
  3. Third and subsequent offence: Punishable with fine which may extend to ₹5,00,000.
  1. First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.
  2. Second offence: Fine up to ₹1,00,000.
  3. Subsequent offences: Fine equal to double the previous fine, capped at a maximum of ₹5,00,000.
Section 26(Penalty for alteration of weight and measure)

Anyone who tampers with or alters any reference, secondary, or working standard—or changes any weight or measure—with the intention to deceive (or knowing it could deceive), except if done to correct an error found upon verification, is committing an offence.

Penalty for First Offence:
A fine of up to ₹50,000.

Penalty for Second and Subsequent Offences:
Imprisonment of at least 6 months, which may extend to 1 year, and/or fine.

Anyone who tampers with or alters any reference, secondary, or working standard—or changes any weight or measure—with the intention to deceive (or knowing it could deceive), except if done to correct an error found upon verification, is committing an offence.

Penalty for First Offence:
A fine of up to ₹50,000.

Penalty for Second and Subsequent Offences:
Fine which may extend to ₹1,00,000.

Section 27 (Penalty for manufacture or sale of non-standard weight or measure) Person manufacturing, selling, offering, exposing, or possessing any weight or measure that:
  1. Does not meet the standards set by this Act, or
  2. Bears inscriptions of weight, measure, or number not conforming to the standards.

Penalty:

First offence: Fine up to ₹1,00,000

Second offence: Fine up to ₹2,00,000

Third and subsequent offences: Fine up to ₹4,00,000

Person manufacturing, selling, offering, exposing, or possessing any weight or measure that:
  1. Does not meet the standards set by this Act, or
  2. Bears inscriptions of weight, measure, or number not conforming to the standards.

Penalty:

First offence: Issued a warning with an improvement notice

Second offence: Fine up to ₹1,00,000

Third and subsequent offences: double the previous fine, capped at ₹4,00,000

Section 28(Penalty for making any transaction, deal or contract in contravention of the prescribed standards)

First offence: Fine up to ₹50,000

Second offence: Fine up to ₹1,00,000

Third and subsequent offences: Fine up to ₹2,00,000

First offence: Issued a warning with an improvement notice

Second offence: Fine up to ₹50,000

Third and subsequent offences: double the previous fine, capped at ₹2,00,000

Section 29(Penalty for quoting or publishing, etc., of non-standard units)

First offence: Fine up to ₹50,000

Second offence: Fine up to ₹1,00,000

Third and subsequent offences: double the previous fine, capped at ₹2,00,000

First offence: Issued a warning with an improvement notice

Second offence: Fine up to ₹50,000

Section 32(Penalty for failure to get model approved)

First contravention: Punishable with a fine of up to ₹20,000.

Second or subsequent contravention: Punishable with imprisonment for up to 1 year, and fine.

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second offence: A fine up to ₹20,000.

Subsequent offences: A fine double the amount of the previous fine, capped at a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 33(Penalty for use of unverified weight or measure)

First offence: Fine of not less than ₹2,000, which may extend to ₹10,000.

Second or subsequent offence: Imprisonment up to 1 year, and

Fine (amount not specified beyond the first offence).

First offence: Fine which may extend to ₹10,000.

Second or subsequent offence: Imprisonment up to 1 year, and

Fine shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 34 (Penalty for sale or delivery of commodities, etc., by non-standard weight or measure)

First offence: Fine which may extend to ₹25,000.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹50,000.

Third offence: Fine which may extend to ₹1,00,000

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹25,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,000

Section 35(Penalty for rendering services by non-standard weight, measure or number)

First offence: Fine which may extend to ₹25,000.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹50,000.

Third offence: Fine which may extend to ₹1,00,000

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹25,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,000

Section 36(Penalty for selling, etc., of non-standard packages)

First offence: Fine which may extend to ₹25,000.

Second offence: Fine which may extend to ₹50,000.

Subsequent offences: Not less than ₹50,000 subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,000.

Additionally: Imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or both fine and imprisonment.

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹25,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹1,00,000

Section 37(2) (Penalty for contravention by Government approved Test Centre) 1 year imprisonment, or ₹10,000 fine, or both for each offence.

First Offence: Fine up to ₹20,000

Subsequent Offence: Fine shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 38(Penalty for non-registration by importer of weight or measure)

First Offence: Fine up to ₹25,000

Subsequent Offence: imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹25,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 39(Penalty for import of non-standard weight or measure)

First offence: Fine up to ₹50,000

Second or subsequent offence: Imprisonment for a term of 1 year with fine.

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹50,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 40(Penalty for obstructing Director, Controller or legal metrology officer) Punishable with up to 2 years imprisonment for the first offence, and up to 5 years imprisonment for repeat offences. Omitted
Section 41(Penalty for giving false information or false return) Punishable with a fine up to ₹5,000. for the first offence, and for repeat offences, imprisonment up to 6 months or 1 year and fine.

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹50,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 45 (Penalty for manufacture of weight and measure without licence)

First offence: Fine up to ₹5,000

Second or subsequent offence: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹20,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 46(Penalty for repair, sale, etc., of weight and measure without licence)

First offence: Fine up to ₹5,000.

Second or subsequent offence: Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both.

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹5,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section 47 (Penalty for tampering with licence) Punishable with fine which may extend to ₹20,000, or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 1 year or with both

First offence: A warning with an improvement notice.

Second or subsequent offence: Fine which may extend to ₹20,000

Third offence: Fine which shall be double the amount paid for previous offence, subject to a maximum of ₹5,00,000

Section Impacted Current Provisions in the Act Impact of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Section 61(Rates of property tax) substituted with Section 61(Components of property tax) Property tax in New Delhi is levied at a rate between 10% to 30% of the rateable value of land/buildings, with a higher rate (up to 1.5x) for certain trades/businesses. Property tax in New Delhi comprises two components:
  1. Building tax, and
  2. Vacant land tax
Section 61A (Building tax) NA Building tax for any property is calculated by multiplying the rate specified by the Council with the annual value of the covered space, as determined under Section 64F or 64G
Section 61B (Rebate for certain categories) NA The Council may grant up to a 30% rebate on building tax for self-occupied residential buildings (up to 100 sq. meters) owned by specified persons. This rebate applies to only one such residential building within New Delhi.
Section 61C (Vacant land tax) NA Vacant land tax is calculated by multiplying the Council-specified rate by the annual value of the vacant land. No vacant land tax is levied if constructions on the land exceed the plinth area percentage set by bye-laws.
Section 61D (Rate of building tax) NA The base property tax rate on buildings in New Delhi ranges between 10% and 30% of their annual value, as specified by the Council. The Council may set fixed or graduated rates within this range for different areas or building groups
The base property tax rate on buildings in New Delhi ranges between 10% and 30% of their annual value, as specified by the Council. The Council may set fixed or graduated rates within this range for different areas or building groups NA The tax rate on vacant lands in New Delhi shall range from 10% to 30% of their annual value, as specified by the Council. The Council may set fixed or graduated rates within this range for different areas or groups of vacant lands
Section 66(Incidence of property tax) Property tax is primarily payable by the lessor if the property is let, by the superior lessor if sub-let, or by the person entitled to let if unlet. For land let over one year with tenant-built structures, the tenant is liable, and co-owners of subdivided buildings share joint responsibility for the tax. Property tax is primarily payable by the owner, with joint liability for co-owners of a single unit. If the owner is untraceable or unable to recover tax, the occupier or tenant (if leased over one year with constructions) becomes liable for the tax.
Section 67 (Apportionment of liability for property tax when the premises are let or sub-let) If the rateable value of a let land or building exceeds the rent payable to the person liable for property tax, that person can claim the difference from the tenant. Similarly, if the property is sub-let and the rateable value exceeds the rent between tenant and sub-tenant, the difference can be claimed accordingly. The person entitled to recover this difference has the same rights as for recovering rent. Omitted
Section 69A (Submission of returns) NA Chairperson may require owners and occupiers of vacant land or buildings to submit detailed returns about the property, including ownership, usage, construction details, and area, within a specified time. They must declare the information is true. Failure to comply may lead to penalties and prevent objections to assessments. Authorized officers or licensed architects may inspect properties without prior notice to verify submitted information.
Section 69B (Self-assessment and submission of return) NA After the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2025, owners or liable persons must file a self-assessment return of property tax within the specified period. Annual returns are required only if there is a change from the previous return. Property tax must be paid quarterly or as a lump sum by June 30 with a rebate allowed for lump sum payment. Returns must be submitted with proof of payment. New or altered buildings must be assessed and taxed accordingly. Failure to pay taxes and interest results in defaulter status and penalties. If the final assessment reveals underpayment, the difference must be paid within two months, with possible penalties for willful suppression of facts. If no notice is sent within 12 months, the self-assessment is deemed final unless fraud is detected.
Section 98(Time and manner of payment of taxes

Save as otherwise provided in this Act, any tax levied

under this Act shall be payable on such dates, in such number of instalments and in such manner as may

be determined by bye-laws made in this behalf.

Property tax is payable on dates, in installments, and in the manner set by bye-laws. If the tax amount increases by more than 50% after the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2025, the excess increase will be phased in evenly over three years.

If a person fails to pay property tax or any arrears by the due date, they must pay simple interest at 1.5% per month or part of a month until the payment is made.

Section 98A NA

Anyone who willfully defaults on property tax payments, attempts to evade tax or interest, provides false information in tax returns, or fails to submit required returns or information under this Act shall face penalties. If the tax evaded exceeds ₹10,00,000, the offender faces rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 3 months up to 7 years, plus a fine of no less than 50% of the evaded amount.

For lesser amounts, imprisonment ranges from 1 month to 3 years with a similar fine. These punishments are in addition to any tax or penalty payments owed.

Section 102A (Recovery of property tax) NA If, following the commencement of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2025, any owner of vacant land or covered building space, or any other person liable for property tax, or in the absence of such owner or person, any occupier, fails to file a self-assessment return within sixty days of the commencement of the said Act, or if the person liable does not pay the due amount by the specified date, the outstanding sum, along with any applicable costs and penalties, may be recovered by issuance of a warrant in the form prescribed in the Seventh Schedule. Recovery may be effected through distress and sale of the defaulter’s movable property, or by attachment, sealing, and sale of immovable property. Provided that the Chairperson shall not recover any sum for which liability has been remitted upon appeal under this Act.
Section 304 (Disposal of dead animals)

Whenever any animal under the charge of a person dies, such person shall, within twenty-four hours, either—

  1. transport the carcass to a location provided or designated under section 263 for the final disposal of dead animal carcasses; or
  2. notify the Chairperson of the death, who shall then arrange for the disposal of the carcass upon payment of a fee as prescribed by the Council
Whenever any animal under the charge of a person dies, such person shall, within twenty-four hours, transport the carcass to a location designated under section 263 for the final disposal of dead animal carcasses.
Section 369 (Punishment for certain offences)

Any person who violates provisions listed in the first column of the Tenth Schedule—or fails to comply with lawful orders or requisitions thereto—faces penalties or imprisonment as specified in that Schedule’s third column, with additional daily fines (as per the fourth column) for ongoing violations.

Special Case for Public Streets & Council Interests:

Violations of specific sections related to public streets are punishable with up to 6 months’ simple imprisonment, a fine up to ₹5,000, or both; and any Council member improperly acquiring interest in contracts from which they benefit is treated as criminal misconduct under IPC Section 168.

Violations of provisions listed in the Tenth Schedule may attract fixed penalties, fines, or imprisonment—depending on the nature of the contravention—along with daily penalties for continuing offences. Penalties are generally treated as civil in nature unless otherwise specified.

Special Cases:

Public street-related violations may lead to imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to ₹5,000. Council members unlawfully benefiting from contracts are punishable under Section 202 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Section 370 (General penalty) If no specific penalty is provided under this Act, failure to comply with any notice, order, or requisition, or any other contravention, shall be punishable with a fine up to ₹100, and an additional daily fine up to ₹20 for each day the violation continues. If no penalty or fine is specifically provided under this Act, anyone who fails to comply with any notice, order, or requisition, or otherwise contravenes any provision of this Act, shall initially be liable to pay a penalty of ₹500. In case the contravention continues, an additional penalty of ₹50 per day shall be imposed. If the penalty is not paid within days, the person shall also be liable to a fine up to ₹500, and an additional fine of ₹50 per day for every day the failure or contravention continues after the first.
Section 370A (Provision for remedial action or warning notice) NA

Notwithstanding anything in this Act, rules, or bye-laws, a remedial action or warning notice may be issued to an offender on the first violation of offences listed in the Eleventh Schedule before imposing any penalty:

Provided that if the same offender commits the same offence again, or fails to comply with the remedial action or warning notice within the given time, the penalty specified in the Tenth Schedule shall be imposed without further notice:

Provided further that the Central Government may, by notification, amend, modify, or add offences for which a remedial action or warning notice may be issued before imposing a penalty.

Section 390 (Penalty for breaches of bye-laws.)

Any bye-law made under this Act may specify that a violation of the bye-law shall be punishable as follows:

First offence:

  1. Fine which may extend up to ₹500; or
  2. Fine up to ₹500, and in case the violation continues, an additional fine of up to ₹20 for each day the violation continues after the first conviction; or
  3. Fine of up to ₹20 for every day the violation continues after receiving a notice from the Chairperson or an authorized municipal officer to stop the violation.

Second offence and subsequent offences:

In case of continuing contravention after the first conviction, an additional fine of up to ₹20 per day for every day the violation persists.

Provided that, if the violation relates to road transport services, it may be punishable with imprisonment of up to 3 months, or a fine up to ₹1,500, or both.

Any bye-law made under this Act may provide that a contravention thereof shall be liable:

First offence:

  1. To a penalty or fine which may extend up to ₹500, or both;

Second offence and continuing contravention:

  1. To a penalty or fine which may extend up to ₹500, or both, and in case of continuing contravention, with an additional penalty or fine which may extend up to ₹50, or both, for every day during which such contravention continues after adjudication for the first such contravention;

After notice to discontinue contravention:

  1. To a penalty or fine which may extend up to ₹50 for every day during which the contravention continues, or both, after the receipt of a notice from the Chairperson or any municipal officer duly authorized in that behalf, by the person contravening the bye-law requiring such person to discontinue such contravention.

Any such bye-law may also provide that a person contravening the same shall be required to remedy, as far as lies in his power, the mischief, if any, caused by such contravention.

Conclusion

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 is a step towards a more progressive, trust-based, and efficient legal system. By removing outdated penalties and introducing fair, practical alternatives, it aims to make governance more people-friendly and business-ready.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.

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