Gujarate Minister Roughshesh Patel. Photo: x/@irushikheshpatel
The Gujarat government will introduce legislation that decrimines a number of minor crimes and will replace criminal penalties with fines. The aim of this step is to reduce the burden of courts and improve the ease of business.
State Minister Rushikesh Patel on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) announced that the Gujarat law Jan Vishwas (a change in the provision) would be submitted during the meeting of the Assembly scheduled for 8 September. The bill seeks to change provisions across 11 existing state laws.
The proposed legislation would eliminate criminal sanctions for breach, including unauthorized construction, interference with public space, non -compliance with waste and failure of tax payments. Other covered offenses include the discharge of wastewater without municipal permits, unlicensed sale of dairy products and non -observation of municipal directives.
The bill also deals with criminal offenses, such as accommodation of pilgrims in unauthorized buildings, defac of street names and defending the authorized staff of entry into the premises. Sanctions for loitering for prostitution purposes would also be converted.
Stress of compliance with regulations
The Patel stated that the changes are designed to simplify the regulations and reduce pending cases in courts. Government documents suggest that reforms focus on outdated regulations that create the burden of compliance. Changes will affect various laws, including the Gujarat Municipalities Act, the Law on Territorial Planning and City Development in Gujarat and the Gujarat Agriculture Act.
The monsoon session of the State Assembly will consider five accounts for discussion and approval, including Jan Vishwas Bill. The Minister stated that the aim of the government is to rationalize existing legal provisions and support the administration of trust.
Published – 4 September 2025 20:31 is
