Telangana Assembly passes bill to decriminalise 400 minor offences

The Telangana Legislative Assembly has passed the Telangana Praja Viswasam Bill, 2026, a piece of legislation designed to decriminalise more than 400 minor regulatory offences. The bill aims to replace criminal prosecution with monetary penalties for minor infractions, a move intended to reduce the regulatory burden on individuals and businesses while promoting an easier business environment.

State Legislative Affairs and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu stated that the bill follows the framework of the central government’s Jan Vishwas legislation. The identification of these offences resulted from extensive consultations between the Industries Department and various other government departments.

In addition to decriminalisation, the bill introduces provisions for compromise in certain offences to resolve disputes without prolonged legal battles. It also seeks to improve administrative transparency and efficiency by removing outdated and unnecessary laws. The legislation received support from the AIMIM during the assembly proceedings.