New Delhi, April 2: The Rajya Sabha approved the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill 2026 on Thursday. This amendment aims to reform hundreds of outdated laws, many of which date back to the British colonial era. The central government asserts that these reforms will simplify complex processes, reduce paperwork, provide relief to small traders, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal explained that the government believes discipline should not stem from excessive penalties but rather from understanding and trust. He emphasized that offering a light penalty for minor mistakes is preferable to resorting to court for every issue.
Goyal stated, “We do not want the laws of the country to operate solely on the fear of punishment. We aim for a nation that progresses based on trust, paving the way for a developed India by 2047.” He referenced Chanakya’s concept of ‘yatharth dand’ or balanced punishment, asserting that those who administer fair and just penalties earn respect. When penalties are thoughtfully applied, societal order and discipline naturally follow.
He further noted that if laws are enforced solely through fear, compliance will be superficial, leading to an unhealthy society. True change occurs when citizens trust that the justice system will treat them fairly. Minor mistakes, made without malicious intent, should not result in severe penalties or public disgrace. Instead, individuals should feel assured that the government and system trust them. This philosophy underpins the Jan Vishwas Bill. Goyal mentioned that previous legislation related to public trust operated on the premise that citizens are responsible and capable of making sound decisions.
He highlighted that previously, individuals faced the burden of navigating the courts for minor infractions. Often, fines were as low as 100 or 200 rupees, yet the legal process consumed thousands of rupees and significant time. The new changes reform over a thousand outdated laws, particularly those that have become irrelevant since the British era.
Reflecting on history, Goyal stated that the hallmark of ‘Ram Rajya’ was governance based on justice and trust, not punishment. Every citizen was heard, respected, and lived without fear. The Jan Vishwas Bill is a step in that direction, representing a government that trusts its citizens and seeks to provide convenience rather than create obstacles.
He concluded, “I believe this initiative aims to lead 21st-century India toward a new form of ‘Ram Rajya,’ where governance serves, trusts, and simplifies citizens’ lives. For minor mistakes without ill intent, a standard penalty should suffice, resolving matters swiftly. This provision is included in the bill.”
Previously, only courts had the authority to impose fines in many cases, necessitating legal recourse for even minor issues, which added strain to the justice system. The new measures aim to alleviate this burden by streamlining processes. Looking back at history, the essence of ‘Ram Rajya’ was governance rooted in justice and trust, where every citizen’s voice was valued, and everyone lived without fear.
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