Delhi Cabinet has approved the Public Trust Provisions Amendment Bill-2026. Under this, small and technical offenses will attract fines instead of jail. This will provide great relief to the general public, businessmen and courts.
Delhi Cabinet: The government has taken a big step towards an important change in the administrative system of Delhi. Now people will not have to go to jail for small and technical crimes in the capital. The Delhi Public Trust Provisions Amendment Bill-2026 has been approved in the Delhi Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This decision is being seen as a big relief for the common people and businessmen.
This bill makes a provision to remove minor rule violations from the category of criminal offense and convert them into civil penalty. The government says that this will not only free people from unnecessary legal hassles, but will also reduce the burden on the administration and courts.
What is Delhi Public Trust Provisions Amendment Bill-2026?
The objective of Delhi Public Trust Provisions Amendment Bill-2026 is clear. Making changes to laws that carried the risk of jail or criminal prosecution for breaking even minor rules. Now these cases will be considered of civil nature and instead of punishment, financial fine will be imposed.
The government believes that till now there were many such laws which common citizens and small businessmen always felt afraid of. Even a small mistake would land him in trouble with the court and the police. The new bill is an attempt to change this mentality.
Clear message from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called this decision a reformist step for Delhi. He said that the aim of the government is not to punish, but to ensure compliance with the rules. Sending people to jail for minor crimes is neither practical nor necessary.
The CM also made it clear that this bill will be presented in the winter session of the Delhi Assembly, which is scheduled to begin from January 5. After passing it from the Assembly, the process of implementing it will be started.
How will business and general public benefit?
According to Delhi Government, this bill will promote Ease of Doing Business. Small shopkeepers, hotel owners, service providers and startups often got into legal trouble due to minor rule violations.
Now neither FIR will be registered nor there will be any fear of going to jail for minor mistakes. With this, businessmen will be able to focus on their work. At the same time, the administrative process will also be easy for common citizens. The government believes that an atmosphere of trust will be created instead of fear. The rules will be followed not out of fear of punishment, but on the basis of understanding and convenience.
Which laws will change
Many important laws have been included in the scope of Delhi Public Trust Provisions Amendment Bill-2026. These include such acts which are directly related to everyday life and business.
This includes the Delhi Industrial Development Act, which is related to industries. Under the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, minor violations will now attract fines instead of jail.
Apart from this, ‘Incredible India’ Bed and Breakfast Act, Delhi Jal Board Act, Delhi Professional Colleges Act, Diploma Level Technical Education Act and Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing Act have also been included in this bill. Under all these laws, now there will be no criminal action for breaking minor rules. There will be a provision for only financial penalty.
Fine will increase every three years
An important provision of this bill is related to the amount of fine. The government has proposed that after the implementation of the law, the amount of fine will automatically increase by 10 percent every three years.
The government argues that it is necessary to keep the amount of fine effective along with inflation. If the fine is too low, it will be difficult to ensure compliance with the rules. However, the government has also made it clear that the purpose of the fine is not to scare people, but to fix responsibility.
Court and administration will also get relief
There is already a huge burden of cases on the courts in Delhi. Cases filed on small matters further slowed down the court system.
With the implementation of the new bill, the number of such cases is expected to reduce significantly. When small crimes are converted into civil penalties, neither the police will have to register a case nor there will be long hearings in the courts.
Match the policy of the central government
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that this bill has been prepared on the lines of the Public Trust Amendment Act of the Central Government. The central government has already decriminalized minor offenses in several central laws.
The Delhi government has decided to implement the same thinking in the capital. The government says that a simple and reliable administrative system is very important in a big city like Delhi.
Steps towards ease of living
The government is considering this bill as a big step towards Ease of Living i.e. making life easier. The basic objective of this decision is that the common man should not have to live in legal fear on every small matter. Small rule violations will no longer become a burden on life. People will understand the rules, correct their mistakes and move forward.
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