Tamil Nadu state assembly on Thursday readopted the bill to ban online gambling games. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin tabled the bill in the assembly. The bill – The Tamil Nadu prohibition of online gambling and regulation of online games bill – was passed by the assembly for the second time after Governor RN Ravi returned the bill to the government a few days ago. The bill would be sent again to the Governor for his assent.
The bill was passed in the assembly on October 19, 2022 and was sent to the Governor for his assent on October 26.
The Governor sought clarification on November 23 and clarifications were given immediately. But almost 131 later, the Governor returned the bill on March 6 claiming that the state assembly does not have legislative competence. The state cabinet met again on March 9 and decided to readopt the bill. Stalin said that the bill would again be sent to the Governor for his assent. “
Regupathy Said
We may have political differences but so many lives are lost in the game. So, there should not be any difference in opinion. The state government has the responsibility of taking care of its people. Even union minister Anurag Thakur has informed the parliament that the state governments have the right to bring a law against online gambling games, when DMK MP Parthiban raised a question.”
He urged everyone to support the bill. According to the law minister Regupathy, the Governor was duty-bound to give his acceptance to the bill. Tamilaga valvurimai leader Velmurugan, Manitha neya makkal katchi’s Jawahrullah, Kongunadu makkal desiya katchi’s Eswaran, AIADMK’s Thalavai Sundaram, BJP’s Nayinar Nagendran, DMK’s Durai Murugan, PMK’s GK Mani and VCK’s Alur Shanavas welcomed the bill. The bill was passed unanimously. The Chief Minister thanked the members for their support.