HC notice to Govt on pleas seeking Ban on Online Gambling

The High Court of Madras has ordered notice to the Centre on a PIL seeking a ban on all sorts of online gambling websites and apps.

On Tuesday, admitting the PIL filed by Lawyer A P Suryaprakasam, a division bench of Justices M M Sundresh & R Hemalatha directed the central government to file its reply in 3 weeks. 

Suryaprakasam wanted the Court to order the authorities to prosecute cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Tamannaah for endorsing such websites & apps as it allegedly amounts to abetment to gamble, which is a criminal offence. “To hook innocent youngsters to play the games, they engage the services of cricketers like Kohli & actors like Tamannaah,” he said.

According to the petitioner, such unethical & immoral online gambling is being promoted online by various antisocial elements promising people with an initial bonus of several thousands. 

Youngsters who fall for the initial bonus offered, ultimately start to spend their hard-earned money or that of their family members. Subsequently, they suffer heavy losses & resort to take loans at exorbitant interest & end up committing crimes to raise money, he added. “When they are not able to return or repay the debt they commit suicide.”

Asserting that such online gambling games are similar to that of ‘blue whale’ game which has been banned in the country, the advocate wanted the Court to intervene & direct the Union & State Govts to ban such games.

He further submitted that the Court must pass such order in the interest of society & to protect the honour & dignity of youngsters.

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