Haryana Assembly passes strict bill against Gambling, Match-Fixing, and Spot-Fixing

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The Haryana Assembly has passed the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Bill, 2025, introducing stringent measures against gambling, match-fixing, and spot-fixing in sports. The bill proposes rigorous imprisonment and hefty fines for offenders.

According to a report by Money Control, the bill was introduced in the House on March 18 and was taken up for discussion and passage on Wednesday. It aims to curb gambling-related offenses by imposing strict penalties on individuals and syndicates involved in unlawful activities.

Under the provisions of the bill, any person found gambling in a public place or a common gambling house will face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to ₹10,000, or both. The owner, occupier, or financier of a gambling house will be liable for imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.

The legislation also targets match-fixing and spot-fixing in sports. Individuals involved in these activities will face a minimum imprisonment of three years, which may extend to five years, along with a fine of at least ₹5 lakh. Members of organized gambling syndicates will face similar penalties.

The bill empowers executive magistrates and gazetted police officers to authorize searches and arrests without a warrant upon receiving credible information. Police officers, not below the rank of sub-inspector, can enter and search suspected gambling premises, arrest individuals, and seize money and gaming instruments used for gambling. Anyone refusing to reveal their identity or providing false information will be liable for imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of ₹10,000, or both.

During the discussion, Congress MLA Aditya Surjewala criticized the bill, calling it “deeply flawed” and claiming that it lacks clarity on betting. He argued that gaming instruments such as boards, cards, and dice are not adequately defined in the legislation. He demanded that the bill be referred to a Select Committee for review, citing similar laws in other states.

The Assembly also passed the Haryana Honourable Disposal of Dead Body Bill, 2025, which criminalizes the use of dead bodies for protests. The bill states that no family member shall use or allow a dead body to be used for remonstration. Violators will face imprisonment between six months and three years, along with a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.

Congress MLA B.B. Batra opposed the bill, questioning the provision that allows police officers to take possession of dead bodies based on “personal knowledge.” He demanded the removal of the term from the legislation. MLA Geeta Bhukkal added that grieving families should not have to deal with both mourning and police intervention.

Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda urged that the bill be referred to the House Select Committee for further review. Despite opposition concerns, the Haryana Assembly passed both bills, aiming to strengthen the legal framework against public gambling and improper handling of deceased bodies.

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