Sibal to consult attorney general on match-fixing law

Law and Justice Minister Kapil Sibal Tuesday said the government was discussing enactment of a national law to check match-fixing and spot-fixing in sports and he would consult the attorney general on the issue.

"We are trying to reflect if there can be a national legislation on this... (as) gambling is a state subject," Sibal said.

"But this is neither betting nor gambling, it is unfair practice that changes the outcome of the game," he said.

"I have decided to seek the opinion of the attorney general. If he clears and opines (that) a national legislation can be drafted, we will do that and request the sports ministry to take it forward," he added.

The law minister said there was a need for a separate law to deal with the menace of match-fixing, especially in cricket, as the Indian Penal Code did not recognise it as an offence.

The comments came after a spot-fixing scam was unearthed in the ongoing Indian Premier League cricket matches, leading to arrest of three cricketers.