Minor Offences Proposed for Decriminalisation; Imprisonment May Give Way to Monetary Penalties
JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 27 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated another major step towards simplifying the existing legal and regulatory framework, proposing amendments to 23 Acts and repeal of two obsolete laws.
The proposed reforms have been incorporated in the Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas (Third Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, which has received Cabinet approval and is expected to be placed before the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during its ongoing session, subject to the requisite approvals.
23 Acts Identified for Amendments
Under the proposed legislation, provisions relating to 23 existing Acts will be amended, while two enactments considered obsolete or no longer relevant are proposed to be repealed.
The Government has also proposed replacing imprisonment prescribed for certain minor contraventions with monetary penalties, wherever considered appropriate.
Focus on Decriminalising Minor Violations
The latest exercise focuses on identifying offences that are considered minor in nature and can be dealt with through regulatory penalties instead of criminal prosecution.
The proposed framework also provides for compounding of offences and adjudication of penalties, with designated officers and appellate authorities to be prescribed wherever required.
Nine Departments Covered
The proposed amendments span legislation administered by nine major departments of the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
These include:Housing and Urban Development.Revenue.Transport.Agriculture.Finance.Industries and Commerce.Animal and Sheep Husbandry.Tourism.Forest
The Government said the concerned departments were consulted during the preparation of the proposed amendments.
Aim to Reduce Compliance Burden
The reforms are intended to simplify regulatory requirements and reduce the compliance burden associated with minor violations.
The Government has stated that the proposed changes are aimed at promoting Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, while retaining necessary safeguards under the respective laws.
The proposed amendments also seek to rationalise penalties and establish clear mechanisms for adjudication and appeals.
Third Phase of Jan Vishwas Reforms
The latest legislative exercise follows earlier Jan Vishwas reforms undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir, through which several minor offences were decriminalised and penalties rationalised.
The Government has also sought to further align the Union Territory’s legal framework with the objectives of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, enacted by Parliament.
Bill Likely to Come Before Assembly
The Jammu and Kashmir Jan Vishwas (Third Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 is expected to be taken up by the Legislative Assembly during the current session, subject to approval by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Government business has been scheduled for September 29 and 30, while government business was also conducted during the opening days of the session on September 21 and 22.
Several Other Bills on Legislative Agenda
The Assembly is also expected to consider several other legislative measures during the ongoing session.
The Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is likely to be introduced, while the Assembly has already passed the Cooperative Societies Bill introduced by Cooperatives Minister Javid Dar.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act (Amendment) Bill.
A GST Amendment Bill aimed at aligning the J&K legislative framework with corresponding Central legislation is also proposed to be taken up.
Government Seeks Simpler Regulatory Framework
The proposed Jan Vishwas amendments form part of the Government’s wider effort to simplify laws, reduce the use of criminal penalties for minor regulatory violations and remove obsolete legal provisions.
The proposed measures are intended to create a more streamlined regulatory framework while maintaining enforcement provisions for violations requiring stricter action. (KNC)
