Bihar Introduces Community Service for Minor Offenders to Reduce Jail Overcrowding and Promote Rehabilitation

The Bihar government has announced a new rule that will change how minor criminals are punished. Instead of going to jail, these offenders will now be required to do community service. This decision was made by the Home Department and is part of the Bihar Community Service Rules 2025.

This new rule applies to cases where the punishment is between six months to three years. The court will consider various factors like the nature of the crime, the age of the offender, and their background before deciding on community service. This option is mainly for first-time offenders who have committed minor crimes.

For the community service to happen, the offender must agree in writing. The service period will depend on how serious the crime is. It could range from one to 31 days or require four to 40 hours of work. The court will ensure that this service does not interfere with the offender’s job, education, or other activities.

To implement this, a District Community Service Committee will be formed in each district, including local officials. They will provide a list of places, like hospitals and schools, where offenders can perform their community service. The service will include tasks like cleaning, assisting in offices, and maintaining public spaces.

If an offender fails to complete their community service, they will face the original punishment and fines. The goal of this initiative is to help minor offenders reintegrate into society while reducing the burden on jails. This way, the government hopes to guide these individuals towards better behavior and community involvement.