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Allow gambling in sports but regulate it, says law panel
Why it is in news?
- The Law Commission of India has submitted a report to the government, saying that since it is impossible to stop illegal gambling, the only viable option left is to regulate gambling in sports.
Recommendations
- A bench headed by Chief Justice recommended to the Centre and the states to repeal archaic provisions from 119 statutes which discriminated against and stigmatise those affected by the disease.
- It also directed that no government hospital shall decline treatment to such patients.
- "Persons suffering from leprosy also have the right to live with human dignity", the bench observed.
- Directions by SC :
- The Union of India in the Department of Health and other departments concerned carry out awareness campaigns so as to sensitize the public about its curability and non-contagiousness
- A separate wing be created to expand the sphere of awareness and authorities concerned may be nominated for the said duties.
- Specific programmes be aired on All India Radio and Doordarshan at the Central and state level and the regional channels so as to educate the public that leprosy is non-communicable.
- The programme be displayed at an appropriate time so that the majority of people may watch.
- Hospitals shall not refuse treatment and to administer the first injection under the Multi-Drug Therapy.
- It has to be remembered that a person has a right to health and to obtain treatment at government hospitals.
- There must be a holistic approach to awareness and the campaigns shall extend from the urban areas to the Panchayat level.
- The state government shall take steps for the rehabilitation of persons who are suffering or have suffered from leprosy, it shall be the primary duty of the state to see that these people do not suffer from any kind of stigma.
Advantages
- The Commission, headed by former Supreme Court judge B.S. Chauhan, recommended cashless gambling in sports as a means to increase revenue and deal a blow to unlawful gambling.
- The money generated can be used for public welfare measures.
- For that, the revenue from gambling should be taxable under laws such as the Income Tax Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act.
- The regulations should protect vulnerable groups, minors and those below the poverty line, those who draw their sustenance from social welfare measures, subsidies and Jan Dhan account-holders from exploitation through gambling.
- Investment in the casino industry (online gaming) would propel tourism and employment.
- However, one of the members expressed strong dissent in a separate note filed with the government.
- The dissenting note said the recommendation may lead to an unhealthy and unwarranted discussion.
- The Law Commission’s report was not comprehensive.
- A country as poor as India should not allow ‘legalised gambling.’
- Such a move would leave the poor poorer, and only vested interests want legalisation of gambling.
- The Commission did not even bother to consider the socio-economic conditions in the country before making such a recommendation.
- Socio-economic and cultural circumstances of the country are not pragmatic to accept legalised gambling activities as it is still treated as a social stigma.
- Source
The Hindu