The Haryana government has made a landmark move to simplify laws and improve governance by approving the Haryana Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance, 2025. This ordinance decriminalises 164 minor offences across 42 state laws, replacing criminal penalties with civil or administrative measures. It aligns Haryana with the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, a national initiative aimed at reducing unnecessary legal burdens, promoting ease of doing business, and ensuring citizen-friendly governance.
Key Highlights of the Haryana Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025
Decriminalisation of Minor Offences
Many minor or procedural violations in Haryana previously carried criminal penalties, often leading to imprisonment. The ordinance replaces these penalties with civil fines or administrative actions, such as warnings, penalties, or compliance notices. This shift ensures that citizens and businesses are not unnecessarily burdened by the fear of criminal prosecution for minor lapses.
Alignment With National Reforms
The Jan Vishwas Ordinance is part of a broader national effort under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which aims to:
- Reduce compliance-related harassment for citizens and businesses
- Simplify legal and administrative procedures
- Promote transparency in governance
Haryana’s adoption of this ordinance ensures state laws are consistent with national reforms and encourages a more facilitative approach to governance.
Simplifying Legal and Administrative Processes
Apart from decriminalisation, the ordinance removes outdated and redundant provisions from state laws. This helps:
- Reduce litigation and administrative delays
- Make legal processes more transparent and predictable
- Support faster resolution of minor disputes
Support for Businesses and MSMEs
Haryana has a large number of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Minor procedural violations often resulted in penalties or legal actions that could disrupt business operations. With this ordinance:
- Industrial approvals and licenses are simplified
- Minor compliance lapses result in administrative fines rather than criminal action
- Businesses, especially small enterprises, can focus on growth rather than legal formalities
Positive Impact on Governance
The ordinance promotes citizen-centric governance by focusing on education, compliance, and correction rather than punishment. It also reduces the burden on courts, freeing judicial resources for more serious offences.
FAQs About Haryana Jan Vishwas Ordinance 2025
What is the Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025?
It is a state-level law passed by Haryana to decriminalise 164 minor offences, replacing imprisonment with civil or administrative penalties.
Which offences are decriminalised?
Minor procedural and technical violations under 42 state laws, covering sectors like industry, health, and public administration.
How does this align with the central government’s Jan Vishwas Act?
Haryana’s ordinance mirrors the 2023 Act’s objective of reducing unnecessary criminalisation, improving ease of doing business, and streamlining governance.
Conclusion
The Haryana Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025, marks a significant reform in the state’s legal and administrative framework. By decriminalising minor offences, reducing compliance burdens, and promoting civil remedies, the government has created a more transparent, business-friendly, and citizen-centric governance model. This ordinance strengthens the ease of doing business in Haryana while ensuring that legal accountability is maintained for serious offences.
