The Supreme Court of India hears plea to ban all online sports betting apps
The Supreme Court of India has heard a plea by politician Dr Kilari Anand Paul to ban all online sports betting apps due to their effect on the country’s youth.
As reported by India Today, Paul presented his case to a bench that included Justice Surya Kant and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh.
Dr Paul presented figures suggesting that over 1,000 people in the state of Telangana had died by suicide, relating to betting apps. He also said that 25 actors and influencers were involved in promoting these betting apps, including famous cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
Dr Paul estimated that 300 million Indians were being “trapped illegally” by betting apps. He said, “I am here on behalf of millions of parents whose children died.”
Another argument Dr Paul made was that betting apps don’t have health warnings like tobacco and similar harmful products.
Justice Kant commented, “People are voluntarily doing these things. What can be done? Principally we are with you – it should be stopped – but probably you are under a misconception that it can be stopped through a law. Just like we can’t stop people from committing murder despite the law.”
The Supreme Court has since notified the Indian Central government on the issue and passed on Dr Kant’s petition to the Attorney General and Solicitor General of India.
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