New Delhi, July 7:  The chairman of the Law Commission, Justice BS Chauhan, talking to English daily The Times of India, has clarified that the panel's report on betting and gambling has been misunderstood and stated "categorically" that the panel has sought a complete ban on betting and gambling. Earlier, there were reports that the commission had sought an effective regulation on the act of betting but not a complete ban.

He was quoted by the report saying that the commission had clarified strongly and categorically and recommended a complete ban on betting and gambling. Chairman Chauhan added that the reason for the recommendation was that legalising betting currently, under the prevailing circumstances in India, would not be desirable as it will not fetch the intended results.

However, Justice Chauhan made it clear that the commission has mentioned suggestions and measures that would help in regulation of the betting and gambling activities effectively, if the  state and Central government wishes to "legalise" betting now or in the future.

He also said that what the commission has made it crystal clear is that the only viable option to control gambling is effective regulation if it is not possible to put a blanket ban on gambling and betting.

The report by the law panel has recommended that regulation of betting and gambling would need a three dimensional strategy namely- reforming the betting market, bringing illegal gambling under regulation and introduction of strict and stringent regulations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2018 10:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).