New Delhi: The Indian government has passed the Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill, 2026, decriminalising minor civic and regulatory violations in the capital. Under the Delhi Police Act, two provisions have been omitted, including Section 95, which penalised guardians for allowing a child below seven to commit public nuisance, and Section 102(c), making it an offence to be found in any building or vehicle between sunset and sunrise without satisfactory explanation.
The legislation aims to reduce the burden on courts and shift enforcement towards compliance rather than punishment. Stricter provisions for unauthorised occupation of public land have been introduced, with penalties linked to the value of the land. Penalties for unauthorised construction and related violations have also been significantly increased, with fines extending up to ₹50,000.
Delhi Metro commuters will no longer face criminal prosecution for offences such as smoking or creating nuisance within premises. Offenders will face on-the-spot penalties, in many cases exceeding ₹2,000. Authorities said this would enable quicker resolution of minor infractions without court intervention.
