Opposition Condemns 'Pro-Corporate' Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026

On Wednesday, a group of opposition MPs fiercely criticized the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, claiming its blanket decriminalization could jeopardize society. They have urged its referral to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for rigorous examination.

Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena (UBT) noted that dissent notes were raised during the Select Committee's scrutiny. He expressed concerns that penalties for the trade of spurious medicines and food are insufficient, allowing repeat offenders to persist, ultimately endangering public health.

Further criticism came from K Kavya of the Congress, labeling the bill’s decriminalization approach as structurally flawed and noting its potential to promote corporate crime and corruption. Other MPs argued that the legislation favors corporations, ignoring the struggles of the common man, and emphasized the need for comprehensive review by a JPC.