Just before Diwali, when the traditional practice of playing 'shagun ka jua' (gambling for good luck) is observed in many parts of the country, the Supreme Court is going to hear a petition demanding strict control over online gambling and betting.
This case has been listed for today in the Chief Justice's bench. This public interest litigation has been filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change and advocate Shaurya Tiwari.
The petition states that online betting and fantasy games have now transformed the 'shagun' game into addiction, financial ruin, and cybercrime.
About 65 crore people in the country are active on online gaming platforms. Most people bet on real money games. Their annual turnover is more than 1.8 lakh crore.
Mention of Law Commission's 276th Report an