Fixing not covered by laws against gambling, betting: Law Minister Kapil Sibal

New Delhi: Law Minister Kapil Sibal is talking to the media over proposed legislative measures to prevent dishonest practices in sporting events

Highlights of his press conference

• For the last 10 years we have been grappling with dishonest practices, not just in cricket but other sports too.
• Not been able to figure out if Government of India has jurisdiction to make a law on this.
• We need to take into account the various nuances as well as the technology in use by the actors. I am of the opinion that instead of amendments, better to have a stand alone legislation.
• Attorney General also advocates new law to deal with unfair practices like match fixing and spot fixing. 
  
• We will bring a new standalone law at the earliest; it will be broadbased and deal with corporates, bookies and players.
• The new law will apply not only to cricket but all kinds of sports.
• We cannot let down millions of fans for whom cricket is passion.
• Want the law to be as broad as possible.
• You can do so much even with gestures on the field etc, so law must be wide enough to include all of this in its ambit.
  
• Not just on the total outcome of the match but also during its play.
• We are committed to bringing this law as soon as possible. I have met Rajeev Shukla and Arun Jaitley yesterday. All agreed that to control dishonest practices is to have a stand alone legislation.
  
• Arun Jaitley added that states cannot make this due to the cross territories nature.
  
• We shall request sports minister in two days to give us feedback.
• Fixing not covered by laws against gambling, betting.