Gauhati High Court Enforces Ban on Online And O ffline Lotteries in Assam

The Gauhati High Court has swiftly banned both online and offline lotteries in Assam due to rising concerns about their illegal organization within the state.

Guwahati:The Gauhati High Court has swiftly banned both online and offline lotteries in Assam due to rising concerns about their illegal organization within the state. This decision follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that pointed out violations of the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998, and the accompanying rules established in 2010.The legislation stipulates that only the State Government is permitted to conduct lotteries under defined conditions. However, it has come to light that some individuals have been illicitly obtaining permissions from District Commissioners to run these lotteries, which is outside the legal framework.The Court’s ruling aims to safeguard the public interest, especially as the festive season approaches, a time when unauthorized lotteries are known to increase.As part of its directive, the Court has mandated the State Government to enforce this ban rigorously. District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police are tasked with taking prompt action against any illegal lottery operations to protect vulnerable populations from potential exploitation.H.K. Das, serving as Amicus Curiae, highlighted the need for immediate action under the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, emphasizing that the organization of lotteries must remain under the authority of the State Government and in accordance with legal stipulations.Despite 25 District Commissioners denying any such permissions for lotteries, the Court noted the State Government’s failure to provide a formal response to the PIL. Some District Commissioners have submitted their counter-affidavits, but a comprehensive response is still pending.The Court has granted the State Government six weeks to respond, outlining measures to combat illegal lotteries. It has also instructed the government to communicate unequivocal guidelines to District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, prohibiting the issuance of permissions for lotteries and mandating immediate legal repercussions for unauthorized organizers. This decisive action is designed to uphold legal integrity in Assam and protect its citizens.