SIT Calls for Regulation Amid Rise in Online Gambling and Narcotic Trade

The Supreme Court's Special Investigation Team on black money emphasized regulating online gambling and narcotic trade. The SIT vice-chairman underscored coordination between anti-corruption agencies, Enforcement Directorate, and Income Tax for tackling corruption, black money, and GST evasion. The SIT plans to submit its ninth interim report soon.

The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money on Wednesday stressed the urgent need to regulate online gambling and the escalating narcotic trade. The SIT called for strong coordination among anti-corruption probe agencies, specifically with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax authorities, for effective outcomes.

SIT vice-chairman, Justice (Retd) Arijit Pasayat, made these remarks following a meeting with key stakeholders, including ED director Rahul Navin, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairman Ravi Agrawal, and senior officials from state vigilance, customs, and excise departments.

Justice Pasayat highlighted that the SIT is preparing to submit its ninth interim report to the Supreme Court within a fortnight to a month. He underscored that corruption should be tackled not only under the Prevention of Corruption Act but also through Income Tax laws and the Money Laundering Act, as black money signifies undisclosed income.

Furthermore, Justice Pasayat pointed out the necessity for immediate information sharing among agencies during raids, to effectively combat corruption and detect black money.

Justice Pasayat also raised concerns about GST evasion and its contribution to the black money issue. He mentioned a recent case in Bhubaneswar where significant amounts of gold and silver were seized.

On the subject of online gambling, especially among the youth, Justice Pasayat remarked on the negative societal impacts. Though legally permissible, he emphasized the rapidly growing trend's detrimental effects.

Addressing narcotic trade, Justice Pasayat described its considerable financial and public health impacts, highlighting cases with values running into thousands of crores.

(With inputs from agencies.)