Supreme Court Issues Notice To Centre On Plea Seeking Ban On Betting Apps; Says It Principally Agrees With Petitioner

A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh observed, “People are voluntarily doing these things. What can be done? Principally, we are with you, it should be stopped… but probably you are under a misconception that it can be stopped through a law. Just like we cannot stop people from committing murder despite the law.”

Dr. Paul, appearing in person, submitted that online betting is destroying lives and violates Article 21 of the Constitution. He alleged that 1023 people in Telangana had committed suicide due to addiction to betting apps and claimed that nearly 30 crore people across India are being illegally trapped. He also stated that 25 actors and influencers from Bollywood and Tollywood are promoting such platforms and playing with the lives of innocent people. “Out of 900 million, 30 crores are being trapped illegally... violation of Article 21 rights,” he submitted. He also pointed to the endorsement of betting apps by cricket celebrities, stating, “God of cricket is endorsing...”

When Dr. Paul sought interim directions, Justice Kant said, “Meanwhile, nothing can be done.” He noted that during IPL matches, betting thrives under the guise of viewership. “Because he knows in the name of watching IPL, there are thousands betting... we will ask Union what it is doing,” Justice Kant remarked.

The Court issued notice to the Union of India and noted that notices to the States would be issued later, if required.