"Eventually We Might Agree With You": Supreme Court Tells Petitioner Seeking Ban On Betting Apps; Seeks Replies From Centre And States

A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing the petition filed by Dr. Paul, who appeared in person.

When Counsel for the Union suggested that the matter may be tagged with a similar petition pending in Court 9, Dr. Paul responded, “My plea is very specific and different. Approximately 3 million, 100 million youth's future is at stake. They are not prosecuted and held accountable.”

Justice Surya Kant observed, “We will give them one last chance to file the reply.” At this point, Dr. Paul submitted, “I was in Yemen, I just came from Yemen from stopping the execution of Nimisha just this morning and 4 o'clock is my flight back. Graciously, they postponed the execution. Here it is millions of lives.”

Justice Kant replied, “But the satisfaction you must have gotten, you must be really proud.” Dr. Paul added, “I want to graciously thank you. This is a very important issue. More than 1000 are still endorsing. Taking 1 crore to 10 crore to endorse illegal apps.”

Justice Kant then observed, “Eventually we might agree with you.”

Dr. Paul further submitted that only a few States were taking action against betting applications and that even banned apps continued to be accessible through VPNs. “Only 4 out of 29 states are taking it seriously. Even the banned apps are accessible using VPN. The court may grant time to file reply, no problem. But in the meantime, it should be directed that endorsement should not be done and the media should not promote on television.”

To this, Justice Kant replied, “Instead of looking into interlocutory directions we will prioritise the final hearing. Sometimes we issue interim directions and there are a lot of repercussions.”

The Bench assured the petitioner, “We will prioritise deciding the matter. Come to us and we will prioritise. We will give out-of-turn hearing to your matter. Let them file a reply, we will ask the States also to appear through the standing counsel so that time is saved.”

Counsel for the Union of India informed the Court that a similar matter was scheduled to be argued by the ASG at 2 PM in Court 9. Justice Kant told Dr. Paul, “We are just suggesting that you go to Court 9 if the court is hearing that matter today. Maybe they will benefit from your last minute assistance. We are anyway entertaining your petition.”

Dr. Paul continued to express concern that States were failing to take effective action, submitting, “States are not taking any action. Mahadev app is banned but there are other apps that keep coming up. They are making billions.”

Justice Kant noted that notice would be issued to the States and that a short timeline would be granted for filing replies.

Background

On May 23, 2025, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Union of India on a Public Interest Litigation filed by Dr. K.A. Paul seeking a nationwide ban or regulation of online and offline betting applications. A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh observed that they "principally agree" with the petitioner’s concerns, but cautioned that he may be under a "misconception that it can be stopped through a law," comparing it to the persistence of murder despite penal provisions.

Appearing in person, Dr. Paul alleged that betting apps are destroying lives, violating Article 21, and claimed over 1,000 suicides in Telangana due to addiction. He also accused film celebrities and cricket icons of promoting illegal platforms, stating that 30 crore Indians are being "illegally trapped." When interim relief was sought, Justice Kant responded, "Meanwhile, nothing can be done," but assured that the Centre would be asked to explain what action it is taking. The Court issued notice to the Union, observing that States may be impleaded later, if necessary.