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Jan Vishwas Act 2026 reforms Cantonments Act: civil penalties and adjudication introduced
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 was passed by Parliament, marking a turning point for the Cantonments Act, 2006. It decriminalises many minor penalties, replaces 'punishable with fine' with 'liable to penalty', and creates a civil adjudication mechanism under Section 333A.
Why It Matters
The amendments shift cantonment regulation from a criminalisation-first approach to civil enforcement, reducing court burden while maintaining deterrents for repeated non-compliance.
Timeline
7 Events
Overall shift: from criminalisation to civil enforcement
May 1, 2026
The amendments move cantonment regulation away from a criminalisation-first model toward a civil enforcement regime, with calibrated penalties for different levels of non-compliance.
Section 247: graduated framework for unauthorised constructions
May 1, 2026
A similar graduated enforcement framework is incorporated under Section 247 for unauthorised constructions, balancing deterrence with fairness.
Section 244: civil then criminal penalties for building violations
May 1, 2026
Under Section 244, first contravention of building use within cantonment areas attracts a civil penalty up to ₹1 lakh. Second or subsequent violations become criminal, with a conviction-based fine up to ₹2 lakh and daily fines for continuing non-compliance.
Civil nature of penalties clarified; not criminal prosecution
May 1, 2026
The framework clarifies that penalties under this system are civil, the proceeding is not criminal prosecution, and there are defined timelines for appeals.
Insertion of Section 333A for civil penalties adjudication
May 1, 2026
The Act inserts Section 333A, enabling the Cantonment Board CEO to impose penalties for specified contraventions after hearing the affected person. Penalties are civil in nature, not convictions, with appeals to the president of the Cantonment Board.
Centre reviews Cantonments Act provisions; decriminalises majority of offences
May 1, 2026
The Centre reviewed 38 criminal provisions in the Cantonments Act and identified 31 for decriminalisation and three for partial decriminalisation, marking a shift toward civil compliance.
Parliament passes the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026
May 1, 2026
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 was passed by Parliament, signaling a turning point in the legal framework governing cantonments and the Cantonments Act, 2006.