The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to several states in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a complete ban on online and offline betting platforms, including those promoted by celebrities. The Court directed the states to file their responses within two weeks, with the matter now scheduled for the next hearing on August 18, 2025.
The petition, filed by evangelist and politician Dr. K.A. Paul alleges that betting platforms are fostering widespread addiction and pushing Indian youth into financial and psychological distress, thereby violating the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In Friday’s hearing, a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. Justice Kant, while noting the petitioner’s concerns, remarked, “People are voluntarily doing these things. Principally, we are with you, it should be stopped but 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.”
