Overview
- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the Cabinet approval on December 30 and said the government will table the Bill for passage in the Delhi Assembly’s winter session starting January 5.
- The measure covers seven statutes, including the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, Delhi Jal Board Act, Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing Act, and laws governing industrial development, bed-and-breakfast registration, and professional and diploma-level institutions.
- Minor, technical, and procedural breaches would move to civil penalties enforced through administrative fines with an appellate mechanism replacing criminal prosecution.
- Fines would rise automatically by 10 percent every three years after implementation to maintain deterrence.
- Serious offences affecting life, public health, and safety remain criminal, while the government cites no need for new posts or extra funds and notes no objection from the Finance Department.