The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Union Government on a plea demanding a complete ban on illegal online betting applications and regulation of fantasy sports and online gaming platforms. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh agreed to examine the matter but refrained from issuing notices to state governments at this stage.
The petition, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by a self-proclaimed global peace activist and President of the Global Peace Initiative, urged the Court to intervene in what it described as a growing menace impacting Indian youth and democracy.
Citing alarming cases from Telangana, including an FIR against 25 celebrities for allegedly promoting betting apps and reports of 24 suicides due to debt from online gambling, the petitioner warned of the consequences of unchecked online gaming platforms.
He argued that these apps, often disguised as fantasy sports or skill-based gaming, are “exploitative, unregulated, and inherently games of chance,” and thus fall within the ambit of gambling prohibited under several state laws.
“There is no uniform central legislation to regulate online betting,” the plea stated, calling for the enactment of a comprehensive law to curb the issue nationwide.
While the Court did not make any observations on the merits of the plea at this preliminary stage, it agreed to seek the Centre’s response, signaling judicial attention on the growing debate around online gaming laws.
Case: Dr KA Paul @ Kilari Anand vs. Union of India – Available on LAWFYI.IO
