The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Union Government on a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding a ban or strict regulation of both online and offline betting applications. The plea argues that these apps constitute gambling and have led to serious social issues, including suicides.
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh. The petitioner, evangelist Dr. KA Paul, urged the Court to take note of the harm caused by such platforms. He highlighted the alarming rise in suicides due to addiction and financial loss from these betting apps.
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“I am here on behalf of millions of dying parents, brothers and sisters... in Telangana, 1023 people committed suicides,” Dr. Paul said.
He informed the Court that just in the past two months, 25 Bollywood and Tollywood actors and influencers had FIRs registered against them by Telangana police for promoting betting platforms.
Dr. Paul emphasized that celebrity endorsements, especially by popular public figures, heavily influence the youth.
“Our 60% population is below 25 years... Out of 900 million, 300 million are being trapped illegally, unethically, immorally... violation of Article 21 rights,” he argued.
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Initially, Justice Surya Kant noted that gambling and personal choices were difficult to control through legislation alone.
“This issue has been dealt with by this Court. People are voluntarily doing these things. What can be done? Principally we are with you... but probably you are under a misconception that it can be stopped through a law,” the judge observed.
However, upon hearing that nearly 300 million Indians may be affected and that this violates the right to life under Article 21, the bench decided to seek the Central Government’s stand on the issue.
A significant moment during the hearing was when Dr. Paul mentioned cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s alleged involvement in promoting such platforms.
“When he himself is endorsing, a billion people consider oh this is a good app,” said Dr. Paul.
Justice Kant responded, “Because he knows that in the name of watching IPL, there are thousands and thousands who are betting.”
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At this stage, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union Government. The bench added that if required, notices may later be issued to state governments as well.
The PIL by Dr. KA Paul seeks several specific directions:
- Declare betting apps as gambling: Recognize all forms of online and offline betting under gambling laws.
- Ban or regulate betting apps: Enforce strict laws to either ban or heavily regulate such platforms.
- Remove betting apps from app stores: Direct Google, Apple, and other digital platforms to delist non-compliant apps.
- Block access to foreign apps: Instruct TRAI and MeitY to restrict access to overseas betting websites.
- Criminal action: Initiate investigations and impose penalties on owners and promoters of betting platforms.
- Ban celebrity endorsements: Restrain actors, cricketers, and influencers from endorsing betting apps.
- Form a special committee: Create a high-level committee or SIT to study and recommend changes to betting laws.
- Set up victim support: Launch a national helpline and ensure protective measures like disclaimers, age limits, and self-exclusion tools.
The case brings renewed focus on India’s growing online betting ecosystem and the urgent need to regulate it to protect vulnerable users, especially the youth.
Case Title: DR. K.A. PAUL @ KILARI ANAND Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 299/2025
