Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 w.e.f 15.05.2026 for Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005,
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 30th April, 2026
S.O. 2180(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 (8 of 2026), the Central Government hereby appoints the 15th day of May, 2026 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act, in so far as it relates to serial number 59 and the entries thereto in the Schedule to the said Act, relating to the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, shall come into force.
[F. No. U-11019/6/2025-UTL]
PRAVEEN KUMAR RAI, Jt. Secy.
Analysis of Amendment in Notification
This notification [S.O. 2180(E)] is a formal order from the Central Government that sets 15 May 2026 as the effective date for specific changes to the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (PSARA).
These changes are being made under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which aims to improve the “Ease of Doing Business” by decriminalising minor technical and procedural offences. [1, 2]
Summary of the Change
The “serial number 59” referred to in the notification specifically targets the Private Security Agencies Act. The primary reform involves:
- Decriminalisation: Previously, minor procedural lapses (such as failing to display a licence at the business premises) could attract a criminal fine of up to ₹25,000.
- Administrative Shift: This provision has been removed to ensure that such small lapses do not result in criminal liability or court cases for security agencies.
- Graded Enforcement: The reform introduces a “warning-first” approach for minor, first-time violations, replacing immediate prosecution with civil penalties or administrative warnings.
Why this matters for Security Agencies
- Effective Date: These changes officially start from 15 May 2026.
- Reduced Legal Burden: Agencies will no longer face criminal prosecution for simple administrative errors, such as paperwork or display issues.
- Trust-Based Governance: The shift aims to move from a punitive model to one that encourages compliance through warnings and proportionate civil penalties rather than jail time or criminal records.