Supreme Court Notices Centre On Plea To Ban Betting Apps, Regulate Online Gaming

Supreme Court Notices Centre On Plea To Ban Betting Apps, Regulate Online Gaming

The Supreme Court issues notice to Union Government on a Public Interest Litigation seeking ban on betting apps and stringent regulations for online gaming and fantasy sports.

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Union Government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in a case called Dr KA Paul @ Kilari Anand vs. Union of India seeking a ban on betting apps and stricter regulations for online gaming and fantasy sports. A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh issued the notice, while observing that it would consider issuing notices to states at a later stage if deemed necessary.

The PIL was filed by Dr. KA Paul, an evangelist and politician, who argued that online betting is having a detrimental impact on the youth. He cited a news report about the tragic suicide of 24 individuals in Telangana after they were unable to repay debts incurred through online betting. Dr. Paul also raised concerns about endorsements of these platforms by prominent public figures, noting that it leads people to believe that such activities are acceptable.

The petitioner urged the Court to classify betting under the definition of gambling and enact a comprehensive regulatory law. However, the Court declined to grant interim relief by stating that, "No, nothing in meanwhile." Furthermore, Justice Surya Kant reflected on the broader societal impact of digital access, noting that the widespread availability of the internet has contributed to changing family dynamics and social behavior.

The Supreme Court's notice to the Union Government is a significant development in the ongoing debate about regulating online gaming and betting in India. The Court's decision will likely have far-reaching implications for the industry and the millions of users who participate in online gaming and betting.