)
Amidst the uproar over IPL spot-fixing, the government today asserted that it would make efforts to put in place by July or August the new standalone law to deal with such "unfair practices" but ruled out promulgation of an ordinance on it.
Law Minister Kapil Sibal, who initiated the process of framing a new law to tackle match-fixing and spot-fixing, said the government will hold consultations with all political parties and other stake-holders to ensure it sails through smoothly in Parliament.
In an interview with PTI, he agreed that such a law has been "much-delayed" as match-fixing allegations had first surfaced in the 1990s when Indian cricket team was touring Australia.
"We are keen to pass this law in July-August (when Parliament is expected to meet for Monsoon Session)," Sibal said about the new broadbased legislation which will cover all kinds of sports.
There will be a definition of "dishonest practices" and will include any gesture or act which can change the course or outcome of a match or a tournament.
It will deal with corporates, bookies, criminals besides the players, including international players.
Sibal ruled out promulgation of an ordinance, a route taken in case of urgency of any law, arguing that the present IPL tournament ends today.
