Odisha Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 Passed: Gambling Decriminalised, Opposition Cries Public Distrust
The Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday passed the Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 after a marathon four-hour debate, marking a significant shift in the state’s legal framework.
The bill amends 16 laws across nine departments and decriminalises minor offences, including gambling, by replacing jail terms with monetary fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 75,000.
Industries & SDTE Minister Sampad Chandra Swain defended the legislation, stating it was prepared after six months of consultation and would enhance “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living” in Odisha
He clarified that serious offences related to fraud, public health, and environmental harm would continue to attract criminal prosecution.
The opposition BJD and Congress strongly criticised the move, branding it a “Jan Avishwas” (public distrust) bill.
They alleged it would encourage gambling and illicit liquor trade, while favouring corporate giants at the expense of Odisha’s resources.
Congress MLA CS Raazen Ekka warned that village disputes over gambling could worsen, while BJD leaders demanded a public referendum.
Ruling BJP legislators backed the bill, arguing that earlier jail terms were rarely enforced and nominal fines of Rs 10–50 were ineffective. They accused the opposition of opposing reforms for the sake of obstruction.
The bill aligns Odisha’s laws with the Centre’s Jan Vishwas framework introduced in 2023 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, converting minor and technical violations into compoundable offences with graded fines.
