The Supreme Court of India has refused to hear a petition seeking a ban on online gaming platforms, even as multiple law enforcement agencies escalate their investigations into celebrities and influencers for promoting illegal betting applications.
Supreme Court Rejects Plea to Blacklist Online Gaming Companies
SC Refuses to Blacklist Online Gaming Companies
The Public Interest Litigation, filed by the petitioner Sheikh Rahim, a Hyderabad-based resident, sought to blacklist online gaming platforms wherein the websites together exploit innocent people and make them lose huge money. Rahim said he had personally lost ₹1.6 million in 2016 through fake online gaming, and alleged that thousands of foreign companies were taking advantage of these platforms to transfer money abroad from India.
Bollywood and entertainment industry celebrities such as Sunny Leone, Kajal Aggarwal, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Mimi Chakraborty were also named in the petition that accused them of endorsing these platforms and luring the public to gamble.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna declined to entertain the petition, noting that Rahim had earlier represented the Delhi High Court, which directed his plea to be treated as a memorandum before the Ministry of IT. The government having remained inactive, moved the Supreme Court. But the apex court asked him to go back to the High Court, saying, “This matter shall not be heard by the Supreme Court.”
It further alleged failures in the banking system, asserting that Indian banks had been “caught sleeping” and do not flag and freeze suspicious transactions in online gaming companies, despite significant hourly deposits in their accounts.
Maharashtra Cyber Police Summons Tamannaah Bhatia in IPL Betting Probe
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cyber Police have summoned actor Tamannaah Bhatia for questioning on April 29 in the FairPlay app case. The app is reportedly connected to the Mahadev Open Book (MOB) platform which is being investigated for illegal betting during IPL 2023.
FairPlay: As a root is a betting and gambling platform to bet on cricket, football, and tennis, and watch their match at the same time. FairPlay was accused of illegal advertising in cities and is estimated to have caused a loss of around ₹100 crore ($12 million) to the official broadcaster of IPL 2023, in a complaint filed.
Over 40 Celebrities Under Investigation for Betting App Promotion
The authorities have stepped up their investigation into the celebrity endorsement of gambling sites amid reports that over 40 celebs are getting questioned about allegedly promoting FairPlay in IPL 2023.
Tamannaah Bhatia is being questioned.
Sanjay Dutt had also been summoned earlier this week.
Jacqueline Fernandez and rapper Badshah’s statements have already been recorded.
Promoters of the Mahadev betting app are alleged to have routed illegal funds through several companies to pay Bollywood celebrities to promote their platforms, the Enforcement Directorate had said earlier.
Miyapur Police Register FIR Against Influencers and Actors
In a related development, Miyapur Police in Telangana have registered an FIR against 25 film actors and social media influencers for promoting illegal betting and casino apps.
The case, filed under:
- Sections 318(4), 112 read with 49 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (cheating and abetment).
- Sections 3, 3(A), and 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act (gaming offenses).
- Section 66(D) of the IT Act (cheating via electronic means).
Hyderabad Police said many youths had lost huge amounts of money on misleading promotions by influencers and celebrities. Some have since made apology videos, but officials say there will be legal repercussions. Meanwhile, J&K state police also carried out public awareness campaigns against betting apps. As online gambling is emerging as a new threat to people, senior IPS officer V C Sajjanar has launched a campaign through the #SayNoToBettingApps movement, asking people to stay away from gambling apps. Telangana police have also launched a social media campaign with a message that reads: “They’ll entice you with free rewards and welcome offers, but it’s a scam. “Don’t mortgage your life to betting apps.”
Looking Ahead
With multiple agencies cracking down on illegal online betting, celebrity endorsements of gambling platforms are facing unprecedented scrutiny. As investigations intensify, further regulatory actions, celebrity interrogations, and potential arrests are expected in the coming weeks.
Full Article – https://arynews.tv/tamannaah-bhatia-lands-in-legal-trouble/