Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on PIL to Ban Betting Apps Citing Suicides, Addiction

The Supreme Court has sought the Union government's response on a PIL by evangelist Dr KA Paul seeking a ban or regulation of online & offline betting apps.

The plea cites over 1,000 suicides in Telangana and claims 300 million Indians are affected by gambling.

The plea seeks to classify such apps as “gambling,” criminally probe promoters, and ban celebrity endorsements, including those by Sachin Tendulkar.

The plea also requests app takedowns, TRAI/MeitY-led blocks, and a national helpline. Recognising the scale of the problem, the Court issued notice to the Centre but excluded states for now.