SHILLONG:
The ordinance to repeal the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, has been promulgated in the state.
A notification said the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming (Repeal) Ordinance, 2022 has been promulgated by the Governor on December 31 and published in the Extra-Ordinary Gazette of Meghalaya on January 3.
“The Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 (Meghalaya Act No 9 of 2021) (hereby referred to as the Repealed Act) is hereby repealed,” it said.
It said that the Repeal of the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2022 by section 2 shall not – revive anything not in force or existing at the time of such repeal or affect the previous operation of the Repealed Act, Rules framed there under, orders or anything duly done or suffered there under or affect any right, privilege, obligation, or liability acquired, accrued or incurred under the Repealed Act or Orders under such Repealed Act.
The notification said, “(It shall not) affect any license fee or any sum of money or fee by whatever name called, realized by Government or persons duly appointed by Government in respect of anything done under the provision of the Repealed Act or affect any investigation, inquiry, adjudication or any other legal proceedings initiated, completed and orders passed under the Repealed Act instituted before such repeal.”
It added that the legislature of the state of Meghalaya has enacted the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 with the aim and objective to regulate Gaming in physical premises and online for the purpose of generating revenue, expand employment opportunity and promotion of tourism in the state and also to regulate the existing gaming parlours in the state
“Whereas the public across all sections of society has expressed opposition regarding the physical gaming premises and expressed reservation regarding the intended benefits on implementation of the said Act and Whereas the government of Meghalaya being alive to the concerns of the public and being respectful of the sentiments expressed by society, has taken the decision to repeal the said Act,” the notification said.
“Whereas the legislature of the state of Meghalaya is not in session and the Governor is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action to give effect to the decision of the Government by way of promulgation of an ordinance,” it said.