The Deputy Government of Haryana has abolished the old law related to betting which was in place since the British era. The 158-year-old law made in 1867 will now be replaced by the Haryana Public Gambling Prevention Bill 2025.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini introduced this bill in the Assembly. It will be passed after discussion in the coming days of the budget session. After this, this strict law will be implemented in Haryana.
Provisions have been made in the bill to deal strictly with people and syndicates involved in match fixing, betting in elections or sports or spot fixing. In this, there will be a provision of punishment ranging from one to seven years if caught once and committing the same crime repeatedly. Along with this, a heavy fine will also be imposed.
The Law Commission has recommended repeal
The Law Commission of India has recommended the repeal of the old law which has been in place since 1867. The law made during the British era has now become irrelevant not only in Haryana but in the whole country because now the system has changed a lot.
Now there are many modern facilities and equipments including computers and mobile phones, through which match fixing, spot fixing and betting on sports and elections are done.
The government believes that betting syndicates are playing with the money of the common people. There was a need to make a strict law to deal with them. States have been given the right to make their own laws. Taking the initiative, the Deputy Government has introduced this bill.
Different categories of betting cases have been made
Different categories of betting cases have been defined in the bill. There will be normal punishment and fine for committing the crime for the first time. The punishment will increase in cases of committing the same crime for the second time or more than two times. The maximum punishment in such cases can be up to seven years.
A fine of up to five lakhs will also be imposed according to this bill. Police have also been given great powers in this law. Only officers above the rank of sub-inspector will be able to investigate such cases.
Police officers can arrest without warrant
In this case, after receiving reliable information about betting, an executive magistrate or a gazetted police officer can authorize an officer above the rank of sub-inspector to enter a place or search the people involved in betting. Police officers can arrest any person without a warrant. Cash and other material can also be seized from the spot.
