MCD to decriminalise minor civic offences
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Sunday stated that the amendments aimed to decriminalise minor civic offences and make municipal laws more citizen-friendly.
The statement comes against the backdrop of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, which was introduced by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in the Lok Sabha on Friday and proposes multiple amendments in the DMC Act.
The proposed changes seek to remove criminal penalties, including imprisonment, for minor violations and replace them with a more compliance-based framework. The move is intended to reduce harassment, cut litigation, and promote a more comfortable and business-friendly environment in the Capital.
According to the mayor’s office, the amendments mark a shift from punitive enforcement to a balanced system that encourages cooperation between citizens and civic authorities.
One of the central features of the proposal is the decriminalisation of minor and technical offences. Violations that earlier attracted criminal prosecution will now be treated as civil matters.
Officials said this will prevent unnecessary legal action and reduce the social stigma associated with minor civic lapses.
The amendments also propose the complete removal of imprisonment provisions for certain municipal violations. These include offences related to employment-related defaults and other minor breaches. Authorities said such violations should not lead to criminal liability.
In addition, several outdated provisions under the existing Act are proposed to be scrapped. These include clauses that impose negligible fines or are no longer relevant in the current administrative context. Officials said such provisions will either be removed or addressed through administrative mechanisms.
The MCD has also focused on simplifying licensing-related rules.
Provisions governing markets, trades, and eating establishments are proposed to be eased by replacing criminal penalties with reasonable monetary fines. This step is expected to improve the ease of doing business and reduce the compliance burden on small businesses.
Officials said the changes will also encourage more businesses to operate within the formal system.
“Simplified regulations and proportionate penalties will promote voluntary compliance,” an official statement said.
While the amendments aim to reduce punitive action, they also include provisions for stricter penalties in cases of repeated or serious violations. Authorities said this is necessary to ensure deterrence while maintaining fairness and proportionality.
The overarching objective of the reforms is to create a more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric governance framework.
The MCD said the amendments will help reduce unnecessary legal proceedings and promote trust-based governance. “These changes are aimed at making municipal laws more humane, practical, and responsive to the needs of citizens,” the statement said.
The reforms are also aligned with the broader governance vision of “minimum government, maximum governance”. Officials said the focus is on ensuring effective regulation without excessive legal intervention. The civic body reiterated that public order, hygiene, and safety will remain priorities.
