Bill adds imprisonment for non-payment of penalties under Cattle-trespass Act

It replaces criminal penalties with administrative penalties for specific violations and establishes new procedures for adjudicating these penalties.

Who it concerns: The Bill affects individuals and entities subject to the amended enactments listed in the Schedule, including stamp sellers, owners or keepers of cattle and pigs, and other persons liable for penalties under the specific laws being amended (such as the Court-fees Act, 1870, and the Cattle-trespass Act, 1871).

What the bill does

• Amends specific enactments listed in the Schedule to replace criminal offences with penalties.
• Increases fines and penalties by 10% of the minimum amount every three years after the Act commences.
• Establishes adjudicating officers (e.g., Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrate) to hold inquiries and impose penalties.
• Provides for appeals to appellate authorities (e.g., Commissioner, District Magistrate) within 30 days, with disposal within 60 days.
• Specifies that penalties must be imposed only after giving the person a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
• Allows the Central Government to make orders to remove difficulties in implementing the amendments within two years of commencement.

Also in the document

• The Bill is titled 'Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026'.
• It includes a savings clause stating that the amendments do not affect rights, liabilities, or proceedings already acquired or incurred before the Act's commencement.
• The Bill provides for imprisonment for non-payment of penalties in specific cases (e.g., under the Cattle-trespass Act, 1871, if not paid within 90 days).