Delhi Government notifies Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026; amends penalties for various acts like Delhi S&E Act, Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998

The Government of Delhi has notified the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 to amend the penalties under various legislations like Delhi Shops, Establishments Act, 1954 and Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998 etc.

Key Penalty Amendments:

1. Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954 –

(a) Penalty for “General Offences” under Section 40 has been increased to Rs 10,000 which can be extended up to Rs 25,000. It earlier only provided a fine between Rs 25 and Rs 250 upon conviction.

(b) Fine on contravention of the provisions of “Records” under section 33, will be increased to Rs 250 which can be extended up to Rs 500 for every day on which the contravention occurs or continues. This offence earlier levied a fine of Rs 5 for every day on which the contravention occurs.

(c) For “Willfully making false entries” under Section 41 the person will be liable to a civil penalty of not less than Rs 500, but which may extend to Rs 5000. This earlier on conviction provided an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to a fine which must not be less than Rs 50 and which extended up to Rs 250 or to both.

2. Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998 –

(a) Contravention of Section 79 will now attract a civil penalty of up to Rs 25,000, along with an additional penalty of up to Rs 500 per day for continuing contravention. This replaces the earlier criminal penalty under which a person could face imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both, along with an additional fine of up to Rs 100 per day after conviction for continuing violations.

(b) Any contravention of the provisions of the Act or the rules or bylaws made under it is now liable to a civil penalty of up to ₹10,000, replacing the earlier punishment and increasing the maximum penalty amount. Earlier, contraventions were punishable with a fine up to ₹2,000.

Source: Ministry of Law and Justice