Kerala HC Issues Notice to Celebrities Virat Kohli, Aju Varghese and Tamannah Over Their Endorsements of Online Games
On Wednesday, the Kerala High Court issued a notice to celebrities Virat Kohli, Aju Varghese and Tamannah regarding their endorsements of online games. The notice has been issued in view of a plea filled for banning unregulated online gambling, including games such as online rummy
The petitioner Pauly Vadakkan through Advocate Jomy K Jose approached a Bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Anil K Narendran.
"Online gambling games are a growing menace in the State. These platforms that are even endorsed by celebrities attract their audience with false promise, easily making a fool of unsuspecting people. Primary targets will be middle to low-income people who are enticed to make easy money. People fall prey to these fraud platforms only to loose what is left of their life’s savings", petition states"
Further, the plea highlights that the Kerala Gaming Act, 1960 does not cover online gambling, wagering or betting activities. The petitioner argued that utilising these loopholes, the number of online platforms are openly flourishing by conducting online gambling and like activities.
The petitioner also contended that various High Courts, including the Gujarat High Court and the Madras High Court, have directed the concerned State authorities to explore ways in which these online games can be regulated. In Andhra Pradesh, it is highlighted that an ordinance was promulgated so that the existing gaming legislation covers online gambling.
It was also argued that there is a need to ban, regulate or monitor online gambling games in Kerala as well.
"... many people from different parts of the state have lost lakhs of rupees in the online gambling game. But very often such cases won’t get registered because once a case is filed the victim will also get prosecuted under the law", the petitioner argued.
On these grounds, the petitioner seeks the Court to issue directions so that:
Similar PILs have filed in the Madras High Court.
It is pertinent to note that Tamil Nadu Government recently introduced an ordinance banning online games, including online rummy.
Plea questioning this ordinance is now pending before the Madras HC which is likely to be taken up next on February 10
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