Rajasthan Removes Jail Terms but Increases Fines for Certain Offenses

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Governor has approved the Bhajanlal Government’s Jan Vishwas Ordinance, leading to amendments in 11 existing laws. With this, three specific offenses—water wastage/sewer obstruction, grazing cattle in forest areas, and damage to forest property—will no longer carry jail terms. Instead, offenders will only be liable to pay fines.

Key Changes Under the Jan Vishwas Ordinance:

1. Water-related Offenses: Previously, causing water wastage, obstructing sewer lines, or connecting to sewer lines without permission could result in imprisonment. Now, these violations will only incur fines.
2. Grazing in Forest Areas: Earlier, grazing cattle in forest land attracted a six-month jail term along with a fine of ₹500. The jail provision has now been removed, leaving only the fine in place.
3. Damage to Forest Property: Offenders were liable to six months in jail for harming forest property. Now, the penalty has been reduced to a ₹5,000 fine.
4. Tree Cutting: The fine for cutting trees has been increased from ₹100 to ₹1,000.
5. Industrial Compliance: Under the Rajasthan State Aid (Industries) Act, 1961, minor offenses by industrial managers—such as failing to submit accounts and records for inspection—no longer attract jail time; only fines will apply.
6. Water Supply and Sewerage Violations: Amendments to the Jaipur Water Supply & Sewerage Board Act, 2018, now replace imprisonment for water wastage, misuse, or non-domestic use with fines.

These amendments aim to provide relief to the public while maintaining accountability through monetary penalties rather than imprisonment.