S.13 Public Gambling Act Cognizable; Police Can Arrest Without Warrant: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court held that the offence of gaming in a public place under Section 13 of the Public Gambling Act, 1867, is cognizable, permitting police to arrest and investigate without a warrant.

The Court noted that the provision expressly authorises police to apprehend persons found gambling in public streets.

Relying on Section 2(c) of the CrPC, the Court rejected the argument that the offence was non-cognizable due to the minor punishment prescribed.

Finding no illegality in the FIR or investigation, the Court dismissed the plea while directing expeditious trial.

[Kamran v. State of U.P. & Anr.]