With new Bill, how govt’s giving up over 300 ways of punishing you

A tendency to over-criminalise is embedded in Indian lawbooks. So, lapses like honking and submitting incomplete paperwork can attract penalties of excessive severity. But the new Jan Vishwas bill aims to change that by erasing hundreds of such provisions. Analysis by Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy shows how it can be a welcome step that removes irrationality from the law and enables ordinary citizens to breathe easy

As things stand, tethering an animal in any Delhi street can set you back by Rs 100. And if it’s found that you had a hand in knocking out a street lamp, Rs 50 is the fine that the government could extract from you. It’s a different matter that you may have other worries on your mind while dodging livestock and sundry animals on your daily commute, or going down an unlit stretch with a prayer on your lips in the national capital.
The good news is that, finally, the government also sees the point.