Revised Cattle Trespass Bill Shifts to Civil Enforcement

Jan Vishwas Bill 2026 Proposes Major Overhaul of Cattle Trespass Act, Decriminalizes Key Offences​

Government Moves to Modernize 153-Year-Old Law with Civil Penalties Framework​

New Delhi, March 27: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday, proposes a sweeping overhaul of the 153-year-old Cattle Trespass Act by decriminalizing several offences and replacing jail terms with financial penalties. The collected penalties will be directed towards animal welfare initiatives.

The Bill forms part of a broader legislative effort to amend 79 central laws, aiming to simplify compliance and reduce criminal provisions rooted in colonial-era legislation.

Expanded Definition of Cattle to Cover Multiple Animal Categories​

One of the key changes proposed is the expansion of the definition of "cattle." Previously restricted to a limited group of bovines, the term will now include camels, buffaloes, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats, significantly widening the scope of the law.

Introduction of Adjudication Mechanism and Appellate Authority​

The Bill introduces a structured enforcement mechanism by appointing an adjudicating officer at the level of Sub-Divisional Magistrate or equivalent. An appellate authority at the District Magistrate level will also be established to handle appeals.

Additionally, the definitions of "local authority" and "police officer" have been updated to align with current administrative frameworks.

Shift from Criminal Punishment to Monetary Penalties​

In a major policy shift, the Bill replaces the term "fine" with "penalty" across multiple sections, indicating a transition from criminal liability to civil enforcement.

Under the revised provisions:

• State governments will determine penalty scales for impounded cattle under Section 12.
• The earlier provision allowing imprisonment up to six months or a fine of Rs 500 will be replaced with penalties of up to Rs 5,000 imposed by an adjudicating officer.
• Offences involving pigs will attract a penalty of Rs 1,000, while those involving cattle may lead to penalties of up to Rs 5,000 under Section 26.
• Section 27 replaces a Magistrate-imposed fine of Rs 50 with a penalty of up to Rs 5,000.

Formal Adjudication and Appeals Process Introduced​

The Bill inserts new Sections 27A and 27B, establishing a formal adjudication and appeals framework.

Section 27A provides for an inquiry process with powers vested in the adjudicating officer, including mandatory hearings before imposing penalties.

Section 27B allows aggrieved individuals to file an appeal within 30 days before the District Magistrate, who is required to resolve the matter within 60 days.

Penalty Enforcement and Non-Compliance Provisions​

A newly introduced Section 27C specifies that failure to pay the penalty within 90 days may result in imprisonment of up to three months or a penalty amounting to double the original sum.

Penalties to Fund Animal Welfare Initiatives​

Under the amended Section 28, all penalties collected under the Act will be credited to a dedicated fund managed by the Animal Welfare Board of India. These funds will be utilized for animal welfare implementation.

The central government will also be authorized to frame rules governing inquiry procedures, appeals, and the utilization of the fund. These rules will be placed before Parliament for oversight.