The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre seeking its response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) calling for regulation of online and offline betting applications, amid rising concerns over their impact on youth and public safety.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was hearing a plea filed by evangelist and political activist K A Paul, who personally appeared before the court, claiming that the unregulated proliferation of betting and gambling apps has led to a spate of suicides among youngsters, particularly in Telangana.
“I am here on behalf of millions of parents whose children have died in the past couple of years,” Paul said, citing that more than 1,023 people have reportedly taken their lives in Telangana alone. He alleged that a number of celebrities—including 25 actors and influencers from Bollywood and Tollywood—have been promoting such apps, thereby enticing vulnerable youth into online betting.
The petitioner also asserted that former cricketers were among those endorsing these platforms, which contributed to a growing trend of gambling addiction among children and teenagers. He informed the court that an FIR had been registered in Telangana against some of the promoters, citing violations of fundamental rights.
While the bench expressed sympathy with the petitioner’s concerns, Justice Surya Kant noted the limitations of legal intervention in such matters. “Principally we are with you that it should be stopped… But probably you are under a misconception that it can be stopped through a law,” the judge said. “Just like we can’t stop people from committing murder, a law cannot prevent people from indulging in betting or gambling.”
Nonetheless, the court acknowledged the gravity of the issue and agreed to examine the role of the central government in addressing the unchecked rise of betting platforms. Accordingly, the bench issued notice to the Union of India and sought assistance from both the Attorney General and Solicitor General in the matter.
The PIL adds to growing public and legal scrutiny over the influence of digital betting platforms in India, especially amid increasing endorsements by celebrities and influencers on social media. The case will be taken up for further hearing after the Centre submits its response.
