India: Tamil Nadu govt. publishes legislation on online gambling

The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday published in its gazette the legislation on banning online gambling. This comes a day after the government's Bill passed by the Legislative Assembly was given the go-ahead by the state Governor, R.N. Ravi.

In addition to this legislation, a panel to regulate online gaming will be set up. The panel's chief would be someone who has retired from a post not lesser than Chief Secretary. The members would consist of retired IGs with tech expertise.

The panel will also act as a grievance redressal body. Some of the seminal features of this committee are: the panel's decisions are final, giving no room for legal recourse; it could impose a sentence of 3 months, or Rs 5000 ($60.94) penalty, or both, as per the gazette notification. 

It may be noted that Tamil Nadu was mired in controversies after Governor Ravi rejected the bill banning online gambling that was passed by the state Assembly. The House again passed the bill and resend it to Rajbhavan.

As per the constitution, the Governor has no other option but to sign the bill if it is sent for a second time. The Governors are bound to pass the bill if it is sent for a second time by the Assembly.