The Supreme Court has requested the Central government’s assistance in a crucial hearing concerning a plea to implement a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms. These platforms are frequently observed operating under the guise of social media applications or esports games.
The bench, comprising justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan, ordered that the petitioner’s counsel serve a copy of the PIL to the government’s counsel. The court has scheduled the next hearing in two weeks, requesting VC Bharathi to assist with the case.
The PIL was initiated by the think tank Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC). The petition names six respondents, including four central government ministries and two major app store operators: Apple Inc. and Google India Pvt Ltd. The petition also urges financial institutions like the RBI, NPCI, and UPI platforms to block any financial transactions linked to unregistered gaming applications.
Key Demands of the PIL:
- A complete prohibition on online gambling and betting platforms across the country.
- Directions for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and UPI platforms to halt transactions involving unregistered gaming applications.
- Tax recovery efforts by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Interpol, along with investigations into offshore companies that allegedly owe over ₹2 lakh crore in unpaid taxes.
- A directive for the government to clamp down on the proliferation of online betting and gambling applications, citing their widespread social and economic harm.
- A call for the Union ministries of Electronics and Information Technology, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports to ensure harmonious interpretation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
- Protection for the data of minors collected by online gaming companies.
The PIL highlights the detrimental impact of these platforms, stating that they adversely affect society, the economy, and national security. It notes that over 65 crore people are reportedly engaged in such games, generating an annual business of more than ₹1.8 lakh crore for these platforms in India. The petition also points out that in most Indian states, betting and gambling are considered unlawful activities.
Furthermore, the PIL alleges that endorsements by prominent cricketers and film stars are promoting these unlawful games, contributing to cyber fraud, addiction, mental health issues, and even suicides.