Govt considering law to curb spot, match fixing: Sibal

Law minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday said spot fixing and match fixing would now fall in the category of criminal offences under the new law being contemplated by the government. Sibal said there was a need for a separate law to deal with the menace of fixing in cricket as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) did not recognise match fixing and spot fixing as offences. ‘You have to have a separate definition and a separate law, which makes match fixing or spot fixing an offence, a criminal offence, and have separate provisions dealing with the punishment and trial. Of course the criminal procedure code will apply,’ he said.

‘That law is being contemplated and when broad contours of the law are ready, and this will be done in collaboration with the sports ministry, then sports ministry will carry it to Parliament. You cannot get any conviction because 420 is not an appropriate provision to move forward in the case of match fixing,’ added Sibal.