Lok Sabha passes gaming ban Bill; Amit Shah seeks bar on jailed PMs, CMs and ministers

The North News

New Delhi, August 20

Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill banning money-based online gaming, while Home Minister Amit Shah introduced separate legislation that seeks to disqualify leaders who have served jail terms from holding top party or constitutional posts. The Online Gaming (Regulation) Bill was cleared by a voice vote in the lower house, with supporters saying the measure will help curb gambling-related financial distress and protect young users. Critics, however, warned the law could drive the industry underground and stifle innovation in digital entertainment.

In a parallel move, Shah tabled the Public Representation (Amendment) Bill, which would bar convicted or jailed leaders from taking up positions such as prime minister, chief minister, or party president. Shah told parliament the proposal was aimed at “ensuring integrity in public life” and ending a practice where individuals facing serious charges continued to wield political influence.

Opposition parties accused the government of selectively targeting rivals, pointing to several ongoing cases against opposition leaders. Congress MPs staged a walkout, saying the Bill undermined democratic representation.

Both measures are now expected to move to the Rajya Sabha for consideration. If cleared, they would mark a tightening of India’s regulatory stance both in digital sectors and in political life.