TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 18, 2025: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Friday unanimously passed the landmark Jan Vishwas Bill, a sweeping reform aimed at decriminalizing minor violations by citizens and businesses. The bill replaces criminal charges for many petty offences with monetary penalties, simplifying regulatory compliance and reducing judicial burden.
Amending 163 provisions across eight key Acts—including the Urban Administration Department laws, Nagar Tatha Gram Nivesh Act, Society Registration Act, Chhattisgarh Industrial Relations Act, and Cooperative Society Act—the bill reflects the state government’s commitment to enhancing ease of doing business and ease of living.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the legislation as a significant milestone in building a “developed Chhattisgarh,” aligning with the Indian Judicial Code championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Chhattisgarh is now the second state after Madhya Pradesh to enact the Jan Vishwas Bill, which will protect citizens and traders from unnecessary criminal litigation,” he said.
Under the new law, delays in regulatory filings will attract administrative fines rather than criminal prosecutions, encouraging entrepreneurship and responsible governance. Notable changes include amendments to the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, 1915, where first-time public alcohol consumption will result only in fines, with imprisonment reserved for repeat offences.
The bill also limits penalties for landlords who fail to report rent increases, replacing criminal action with a maximum fine of Rs 1,000. Similarly, societies that delay annual report filings will face nominal fines, with leniency extended to women-led groups.
Additionally, organizations that mistakenly use the term “cooperative” will no longer face criminal charges but only administrative fines, further easing regulatory hurdles.
This bold reform is expected to foster a more business-friendly, citizen-centric environment, reduce court backlogs, and pave the way for smoother governance across Chhattisgarh.
