Supreme Court gives last chance to Centre, issues notice to States on plea to ban online betting apps; petitioner claims 100 million youth affected.
New Delhi: On August 1, the Supreme Court of India gave the Union Government one last chance to submit its response in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. K.A. Paul. The PIL seeks a nationwide ban or strict regulation of online betting applications.
The Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also issued notices to all States, saying that the matter would be treated as a priority and heard soon.
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Dr. K.A. Paul, who appeared in person before the Court, strongly opposed tagging his petition with another similar matter pending in Court No. 9. When the Union Government’s lawyer suggested clubbing the matter with another case, Dr. Paul argued,
“My plea is very specific and different. Approximately 3 million, 100 million youth’s future is at stake. They are not prosecuted and held accountable.”
During the hearing, Justice Surya Kant assured that the Union would be given one final opportunity to respond, stating,
“We will give them one last chance to file the reply.”
Dr. Paul, who had just returned from an international humanitarian mission, informed the Court of the urgency of the issue. He submitted,
“I was in Yemen, I just came from Yemen from stopping the execution of Nimisha just this morning and 4 o’clock is my flight back. Graciously, they postponed the execution. Here it is millions of lives.”
Acknowledging his efforts, Justice Kant remarked,
“But the satisfaction you must have gotten, you must be really proud.”
Dr. Paul responded,
“I want to graciously thank you. This is a very important issue. More than 1000 are still endorsing. Taking 1 crore to 10 crore to endorse illegal apps.”
To this, Justice Kant said,
“Eventually we might agree with you.”
Dr. Paul further argued that only a few states were acting against illegal betting apps, while most apps remained accessible via VPN services.
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“Only 4 out of 29 states are taking it seriously. Even the banned apps are accessible using VPN. The court may grant time to file reply, no problem. But in the meantime, it should be directed that endorsement should not be done and the media should not promote on television.”
Justice Kant responded cautiously, saying, “Instead of looking into interlocutory directions we will prioritise the final hearing. Sometimes we issue interim directions and there are a lot of repercussions.”
The Bench gave assurance to Dr. Paul that the matter would be fast-tracked.
“We will prioritise deciding the matter. Come to us and we will prioritise. We will give out-of-turn hearing to your matter. Let them file a reply, we will ask the States also to appear through the standing counsel so that time is saved.”
The Union Government’s counsel also informed the Court that a similar matter was listed to be argued at 2 PM the same day in Court 9. Justice Kant then told Dr. Paul,
“We are just suggesting that you go to Court 9 if the court is hearing that matter today. Maybe they will benefit from your last minute assistance. We are anyway entertaining your petition.”
Dr. Paul expressed concern once again over the lack of effective steps by States, saying,
“States are not taking any action. Mahadev app is banned but there are other apps that keep coming up. They are making billions.”
Justice Kant concluded the hearing by noting that notices would be issued to the States, and a short time frame would be given for them to file their replies.
This case traces back to May 23, 2025, when the Supreme Court had first issued notice to the Union Government in this PIL. At that time, the Bench comprised Justice Surya Kant and Justice N.K. Singh.
The Court had said they “principally agree” with Dr. Paul’s concerns but added that he might be under a “misconception that it can be stopped through a law,” comparing it to crimes like murder which continue despite legal penalties.
Dr. Paul had alleged that betting applications were violating Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) and claimed that more than 1,000 youth in Telangana alone had committed suicide due to addiction to these apps.
He also accused celebrities from Bollywood and the cricket world of promoting such platforms, stating that
“30 crore Indians are being illegally trapped.”
When he had asked for interim relief at the time, the Court had said,
“Meanwhile, nothing can be done,”
but assured that the Centre would be asked to clarify what measures it was taking. The Court had initially only issued notice to the Centre, keeping the option open to include States later.
Case Title:
Dr. K.A. Paul @ Kilari Anand v. Union of India & Ors.
(W.P.(C) No. 299/2025).
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