New Delhi, Aug 27 (HS): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a petition demanding a ban on mobile applications promoting gambling and betting. A bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay instead granted the petitioner liberty to approach the competent authorities with their representation.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that the recently enacted law regulating online gaming fails to adequately address concerns related to gambling and betting. He submitted that the legislation primarily targets “money games” but remains silent on online wagering and casino-style gambling, which continue to operate actively through platforms on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The court, however, observed that the petitioner should first place the matter before the concerned authorities, stressing that any shortcomings of the new law must initially be tested at the administrative level. “If authorities choose not to act, then we will examine the issue,” the bench noted.

The petitioner informed the bench that he had already submitted a representation in April but no action had followed. In response, the High Court directed him to file a fresh representation in light of the new gaming law, ensuring that the competent authority would now be obliged to reply and take timely action.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar