Controversial Indian Anti-Gambling Activist Alleges Attempted Abduction by Thugs
India's Supreme Court Considers Ban on Online Betting Apps
India's Supreme Court is actively engaging in hearings over a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by evangelist and politician Dr. K.A. Paul, seeking a ban on illegal online betting apps. The case, which has been recognized as a matter of paramount public importance, is scheduled for hearings with senior law officers, including the Attorney General and Solicitor General.
The concern revolves around the risk to over 300 million Indian youth from widespread online betting. Dr. K.A. Paul has attributed the rise in online betting to the proliferation of apps that, despite bans on certain apps, rapidly appear under new names. He has also called for an immediate ban on celebrity endorsements and media publicity of these apps, as many young people are influenced by role models promoting them.
The Court has also asked the central government and states to explain the remedial measures they are planning to address the problem. Notices have been issued to several stakeholders, including states, RBI, ED, TRAI, and major tech and gaming companies like Google India and Apple India, to file responses within two weeks.
The Court is concurrently examining whether these apps amount to gambling under Indian law, influencing the regulatory approach. There have been reports of multiple suicides linked to online betting debts, notably in Telangana, underscoring the social harm involved. Investigation agencies are probing celebrity endorsements of such betting apps to assess their awareness of the apps' illegal nature and possible complicity.
As of August 2025, the Supreme Court has not yet issued a final ban but is demanding swift government action while considering interim measures like restricting endorsements. Dr. K.A. Paul has requested security from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, citing an attempted kidnapping by "goons" over the weekend in Delhi. He filed the litigation with the aim of protecting the youth and vulnerable in India from the harms of online gambling.
The litigation alleges that betting companies are advertising as fantasy sports apps and skill-based games to bypass laws. The issue of celebrities advertising illegal online betting apps is currently under investigation. The Supreme Court has contacted Google, Apple, the Reserve Bank of India, and other entities regarding these issues.
It is worth noting that Goa, Daman, and Sikkim are the only Indian states with regulated online gaming markets currently. As the hearings continue, the Supreme Court's decision could have significant implications for the Indian gaming industry and the protection of its youth. Dr. K.A. Paul and other co-plaintiffs are urging politicians to take action and address the growing concern over online betting apps.
The Supreme Court is examining political debates surrounding the regulation of online betting apps, falling under the general-news category. The court is also addressing issues related to crime-and-justice, such as the involvement of celebrities in endorsing illegal betting apps and the increase in crime associated with online gambling.
