We will try to bring the new law soon: Jitendra Singh

NEW DELHI: Sports Minister Jitendra Singh today said they were committed to put in place a new legislation very soon to deal with the menace of fixing in sports and pushed for strong punishment for the guilty in the recent spot-fixing scandal.

Jitendra had a meeting with Law Minister Kapil Sibal to discuss the proposed legislation.

"I agree (with law ministry) that there should be a law. A strong punishment should be handed to people who were involved in the shameful act (spot-fixing in IPL). Sports and Law ministry very soon will bring a new law," Jitendra told reporters after the meeting with Sibal.

Asked what was the possibility of bringing in the new law before the next Parliament session Sibal said, "Attorney General will be consulted in the matter. We had a good meeting today. It is to be decided which ministry will pilot it, what should be the structure of it."

Sibal also said that they will seek a political consensus.

"Before it goes to Cabinet, we will try to get all political parties on board," Sibal said.

The arrest of three Indian cricketers by the Delhi police on charges of spot fixing in IPL matches shook the cricket world last week.

The three Rajasthan Royals players -- S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan -- were charged under 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.