New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from the Union Government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking regulation of all online and offline betting applications.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh issued a notice to the Centre on the plea filed by social activist Dr. K.A. Paul.
The petitioner alleged that online betting and gambling platforms, heavily promoted by celebrities and influencers, are causing widespread harm, particularly among the youth, and have led to a disturbing number of suicides.
Dr. Paul, appearing in person, submitted that over 1,023 individuals, including minors, have allegedly died by suicide in Telangana alone due to addiction to betting apps.
He claimed that 25 actors and influencers from Bollywood and Tollywood are under investigation, with FIRs filed for promoting such platforms.
“I represent millions of parents who have lost their children. Out of 900 million internet users, nearly 30 crore are being trapped illegally in these gambling networks,” Paul said, arguing that this constitutes a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution (right to life).
He further stressed the lack of warnings or public awareness campaigns regarding betting apps, unlike the mandated disclaimers for cigarettes.
Responding to the plea, Justice Surya Kant observed, “We have given internet… parents watch one TV, children another. It is a complete social aberration.”
The bench acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but noted the limits of legal interventions. “Principally we are with you… but perhaps you are under the misconception that it can be stopped by law. Just like we can't stop murders despite having laws against them,” Justice Kant remarked.
While directing the issuance of notice to the Union of India, the Court ordered that a soft copy of the petition be supplied to the Attorney General and Solicitor General of India. It stated that notices to all states may be issued at a later stage if necessary.
Dr. Paul attempted to raise further concerns during the hearing, but the bench firmly responded, “No, nothing in the meanwhile.”
This hearing comes amid a broader legal and regulatory discourse around online gaming and betting in India.
Earlier this month, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) informed the Supreme Court that amounts staked in real money gaming (RMG) are liable to taxation under the GST framework. Following the imposition of a 28% GST on total bet values in October 2023, several companies in the gaming sector received show cause notices amounting to Rs 1.12 lakh crore. Meanwhile, India’s gamer base has surged to 590 million by the end of 2024, making it the second-largest mobile gaming market globally.
The matter will now proceed following the Centre's response.
UNI SNG RN