The Gujarat government will introduce a legislation to decriminalise a range of minor offences, replacing criminal penalties with fines. The move aims to reduce the burden on courts and improve the ease of doing business.
State Minister Rushikesh Patel announced on Wednesday (Sept. 3, 2025) that the Gujarat Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill will be presented during the Assembly session scheduled from September 8 to 10. The Bill seeks to amend provisions across 11 existing State laws.
Explained | The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023
The proposed legislation would remove criminal penalties for violations, including unauthorised construction, public space encroachment, failure to remove waste, and defaulting on tax payments. Other offences covered include discharging sewage without municipal permission, unlicensed sale of dairy products, and disobeying municipal directives.
The Bill also addresses offences such as lodging pilgrims in unauthorised buildings, defacing street names, and obstructing authorised personnel from entering premises. Penalties for loitering for prostitution purposes would also be converted to fines.
