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Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N., gave his assent Monday, April 10, 2023 to the re-adopted Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling Regulation of Online Games Bill (2022) (L.A. Bill No. 53). 53 of 2022). M.K., Chief Minister Stalin stated that the assent was a “good result” of the earlier resolution on Governor adopted by the Assembly. After the Governor had previously returned the Bill to the Assembly, the Assembly adopted it again and sent it back to the Raj Bhavan.
The Chief Minister shared the news that the Governor had given his assent to the Assembly during Monday’s discussion about budgetary demands for some departments. He also said that the law would be published in Tamil Nadu Government Gazette the same day.
He stated that the Assembly resolution pointed out how Tamil Nadu’s administration and future were being affected by the pendency many Bills, including one on online rummy. This Bill had been sent to Governor for his assent. He also said that the resolution noted controversial views held by the Governor.
On March 6, the Governor returned the Bill to the Assembly, stating that it was against the Constitution and against the judgements of the courts. On October 19, 2022, the Assembly adopted the Bill for its first time.
The Chief Minister, while reintroducing the Bill, reminded that the Bill was written on the basis of the recommendations of Justice Chandru (retired Madras High Court judge) and the School Education Department; as well as consultations with other people. The Governor returned the Bill with some notes after 131 days.
“The Bill was not only drafted with intelligence, but also with heart. While we may have differences on political issues, that is perfectly normal. Anyone with a heart won’t have two opinions on banning online gaming, which has been claiming many lives. The state should not listen to the cry of a person, or a family. It will lead to the dilution in the meaning and powers of the law if it occurs again. He stated that it was the government’s duty to keep law and order in place and prevent crime.”
The Chief Minister also reminded Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, of his statement in Parliament on March 21, 20023, that states were authorized to pass laws banning online gaming under Section 34 of 7th Schedule.
“It is impossible to ignore our conscience and run the government. Any law has as its object people’s protection and welfare. “Jurisprudence, a social science,” said Mr. Stalin in March.
