Odisha replaces jail terms with fines for gambling offences

The aim is to reduce court delays and decrease litigation costs.

India.- The eastern Indian state Odisha has repealed imprisonment for gambling offences, replacing it with fines. The provision is part of the Odisha Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, passed yesterday, December 2, by the state’s legislative assembly.

Previously, gambling offences were subjected to one to six months in jail and fines ranging from ₹100 (US$1.11) to thousands of rupees. The revised bill imposes paying fines ranging from ₹5,000 (US$55.46) to ₹75,000 (US$831).

The move has generated a backlash from opposition parties, who accuse the government of promoting gambling and neglecting social concerns. Athagarh BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain, also known as Raja Swain, said the decision is tantamount to “nationalising gambling.”

Swain warned that the bill could lead to the growth of gambling in the state. He said, “The government at the Centre is saying something, and their left hand at the State is saying something else. Our previous generations had passed a law in this House for restricting gambling activity through jail punishment. Now, anyone can gamble and move freely after paying a fine.”

Defending its position, the state government argues that replacing jail terms with larger fines will reduce court delays and decrease litigation costs. Bhatli BJP MLA Irasis Acharya said: “Opposition parties are trying to mislead the people of Odisha. The reason is that they were unable to bring reforms to the law, which should have been amended earlier. When we are keen to bring about reforms and want people not to get distracted and adopt unfair means, they are deceiving the people instead.”

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The aim is to reduce court delays and decrease litigation costs. India.- The eastern Indian state Odisha has repealed imprisonment for gambling offences, replacing it with fines. The provision is…