Mumbai: Following a mandate from the Supreme Court of India to examine the possibility of legalising betting in India, the Law Commission of India (LCI) has begun the process of ascertaining the views of BCCI members.
In a letter addressed to State Association members of the BCCI, Dr. Sanjay Singh, member secretary LCI, has said: “While the LCI has been reaching out to the various stakeholders to seek their observations and suggestions, it considers that the views of your association will be valuable in formulating its recommendations on betting. May I add here that keeping in view the intertwining nature of betting and gambling, the Commission has decided to consider examination of both, betting and gambling.’’
While endorsing the Justice Lodha Committee recommendations that betting should be legalised by law, the Supreme Court has said, “It involves the enactment of a law which is a matter that may be examined by the Law Commission and the Government for such action as it may consider necessary in the facts and the circumstances of the case.’’
The LCI has told the BCCI members that their views will be submitted to the apex court. “We have to place the LCI’s letter before our committee,” said Abhay Apte, president Maharashtra Cricket Association.