Institute of Legal and Management Studies

The Supreme Court today called for the Union government's response on a public interest litigation seeking banning/regulation of online and offline betting apps on the ground that they amount to 'gambling'.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh passed the order, after hearing evangelist Dr KA Paul (petitioner), who contended that betting on online/offline platforms has resulted in a number of suicides. Pointing out that multiple FIRs have been registered against celebrities and influencers over endorsement of such apps, the petitioner beseeched that the Court take notice of the ill-effects of celebrity endorsements on young, innocent individuals.

In a brief exchange, Dr KA Paul informed the Court that there were over a 1000 cases of suicidal deaths in Telangana alone in the recent past.

"I am here on behalf of millions of dying parents, brothers and sisters...in Telangana, 1023 people committed suicides...just less than 2 months ago, 25 Bollywood and Tollywood actors/influencers have been filed FIRs [against] by Telangana police...these 100s of influencers playing with the lives of innocent, young...our 60% population is below 25 [years of age]...Out of 900 million, 300 million [30 crores] are being trapped illegally, unethically, immorally...violation of Art. 21 rights", he said.

Initially, Justice Kant expressed that the issue was not one which could be tackled through legislation.

"This issue has been dealt with by this Court. People are voluntarily doing these things. What can be done? Principally we are with you, if it can be done, it should be stopped...but probably you are under a misconception that it can be stopped through a law. This is same thing, as have you been able to stop people from committing murder? You have Section 302 IPC, you have death sentence, you have everything", the judge remarked.

However, subsequently, when Dr KA Paul contended that out of 900 million, 300 million Indians are being "trapped illegally" through the betting platforms, and the same is a violation of their Article 21 rights, the bench agreed to enquire from the Union as to what it is doing to address the issue.

Notably, Dr KA Paul made a reference to "God of Cricket" Sachin Tendulkar's alleged endorsement of such apps. "When he himself is endorsing, a billion people consider oh this is a good app", he submitted. In reply, Justice Kant said, "Because he knows that in the name of watching IPL, there are thousands and thousands who are betting".

Ultimately, notice was issued only to the Union, with the Court expressing that notices would be issued to States, if need be, at a later stage.

The reliefs sought by Dr KA Paul include inter-alia:

(i) A declaration that all online/offline betting apps fall within the definition of gambling;

(ii) A direction for immediate ban or regulation of online/offline betting apps under strict central and state legislations;

(iii) A direction to Google, Apple, and digital platforms to remove all non-compliant betting apps immediately;

(iv) A direction to TRAI and MeitY to block access to foreign betting platforms;

(v) A direction for criminal investigations and penalties against betting platform owners and promoters;

(vi) A prohibitory order restraining Bollywood actors, cricketers, and social media influencers from endorsing betting/gaming apps;

(vii) Constitution of a High Level Committee/SIT to examine betting laws and their social impact;

(viii) Implementation of a national helpline for victims of online betting fraud and enforcement of consumer protection measures such as mandatory disclaimers, age restrictions, and self-exclusion programs.

Case Title: DR. K.A. PAUL @ KILARI ANAND Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 299/2025