The Central Government has promoted its efforts to introduce the proposed 'Prevention of Sporting Fraud Bill' in the Parliament. The draft bill has finally reached Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's office. The Legislative Department has made necessary amendments to ensure every National Sports Federation, including the BCCI, comes under the ambit of the proposed law.
The Bill has a provision for a maximum five year imprisonment for sportspersons and officials, including that of the BCCI, committing fraud. Also, the bill has provisions for all NSFs to draft their own ‘Fraud Code’ for their players, match officials and office bearers.In the case of the BCCI, the Board will have to frame separate Code for on-field players, officials and the office-bearers.
According to a source, there are various categories of fraud being defined in the draft Bill, ranging from deriving economic benefit to manipulating results and spot-fixing and under-performing. However, even if Sonowal signs the draft bill in the next couple of days, it is highly unlikely that it will be tabled in the Parliament before the next winter session.
Once enacted, the bill will make sporting frauds including under-performance, cheating, sharing inside information, illegal and will attract jail terms and fine.
