RN Ravi finally gives assent to the bill to prohibit online gambling and regulate online games
Photo : ANI
On March 23, the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously adopted the bill to ban online gambling for the second time. However, it was sent back to the government for reconsideration by Governor RN Ravi.
The bill was earlier returned by the Governor for reconsideration as according to RN Ravi, the Assembly has “no legislative competence,” and the bill went against”several judicial pronouncements.” The letter was read by Speaker M Appavu from Governor.
Chief Minister Stalin told the Assembly that 41 people had committed suicide after losing too much money in online gambling. He mentioned Sureshkumar, a youth who committed suicide after losing 17 lakhs in online rummy. The deceased had requested that online Rummy be banned in his suicide note.
Stalin also mentioned another person who committed suicide after leaving a similar suicide note. “These deaths are taking place right in front of our eyes. This government, which possesses the law, has the duty and responsibility to put an end to this,” added Chief Minister.
Following this realisation, the government formed a committee led by retired Madras High Court judge Justice K Chandru to advise the government on drafting a new law to prohibit online gambling, and the committee presented its report.
Governor Ravi issued an ordinance in October 2022, following a number of further actions, such as a public hearing and a survey by the Department of School Education, all of which strongly supported outlawing internet gambling.
“A bill in this regard was adopted on October 19 last year in the Assembly to replace the ordinance and was sent to the Governor on 26 October for his assent. But Governor returned the bill to the government for reconsideration on 23 November instead of giving assent immediately,” added Stalin.
Stalin further said that an explanation was sent to him within 24 hours and Law Minister S Regypathy called on him and again provided answers. However, after 131 days, the bill was returned to Speaker Appavu with some notes.
The Madras High Court had nullified the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Gambling and Police Laws (Amendment) Act 2021, which prohibited wagering or placing bets online, in August 2021, making the passage of the law necessary.
(With inputs from PTI)