The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Central Government in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding a nationwide ban on online and offline betting platforms. The hearing, which took place on Friday, May 23, 2025, was presided over by Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh.
The court acknowledged growing concerns over the influence of online betting apps but remarked that the belief that such issues can be entirely curbed by legal provisions is a “misconception.”
‘People Are Voluntarily Doing These Things,’ Says Supreme Court
The plea was filed by evangelist Dr KA Paul, who argued that the rising number of suicides and alleged exploitation of vulnerable youth through gambling and betting apps posed a significant public risk. Paul cited disturbing figures, including 1,023 suicide cases in Telangana and alleged involvement of 25 Bollywood and Tollywood celebrities in promoting betting platforms.
He also claimed that 30 crore Indians are being “trapped illegally” by online gambling operators, in violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
Despite acknowledging the gravity of the issue, Justice Surya Kant noted that the matter isn’t just legal but also behavioral and societal.
“Principally, we are with you—it [online betting] should be stopped. But probably you are under a misconception that it can be stopped through a law. Just like we can’t stop murder despite having laws, this too cannot be stopped merely through legislation,” said Justice Kant.
Supreme Court Questions Government Response, Seeks Clarity
While the Supreme Court expressed moral support for stricter regulation or a potential ban, the bench emphasized that enforcement alone cannot eliminate betting-related activities.
Justice Kant remarked that “people are voluntarily doing these things”, and merely criminalizing online betting might not deter individuals unless deeper societal awareness and preventive mechanisms are put in place.
The bench issued a notice to the Union of India asking for the Centre’s stance on the matter and hinted that state governments could also be roped in at a later stage depending on the Centre’s response.
“The court will ask the Union what it’s doing,” said Justice Kant. “Notices to all states, if so required, will be issued later. Meanwhile, nothing can be done.”
Petitioner Highlights Inconsistencies in Public Warnings
Dr KA Paul drew a comparison between cigarette usage and betting to argue that while tobacco products are legally sold with mandatory public health warnings, no such public disclaimer system exists for betting platforms.
“There is publicity about cigarettes being injurious, but that is not the case with online betting,” Paul told the court.
He further criticized celebrities, including popular cricketers allegedly endorsing online betting apps, stating that these endorsements have a substantial impact on young viewers, particularly during events like the IPL.
The Larger Context: Online Betting in India
Online betting, particularly in the realm of sports, has seen explosive growth in India, often operating in legal grey zones. While some states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have banned online gambling outright, others continue to witness unregulated or loosely monitored platforms flourishing.
High-profile cases such as the Mahadev Online Betting App have only added fuel to the ongoing debate around betting, legality, and celebrity endorsements.
Industry analysts note that without a uniform central regulation, enforcement remains fragmented across states. The Supreme Court’s recent observation reflects the challenges in balancing legal enforcement with behavioral realities.
What’s Next?
With the Supreme Court issuing a notice to the Centre, all eyes are now on the Union government’s official response. The future of online betting regulation may rest on whether a national-level policy or a multi-pronged strategy—including digital awareness, enforcement, and penalties—is framed in response to public concerns.
The case is expected to come up for further hearing in the coming weeks.