Gauhati High Court Bans Online and Offline Lotteries in Assam Amid Rising Concerns
Guwahati: In a significant move to address the growing issue of illegal offline and online lotteries in Assam, the Gauhati High Court has directed the State Government to take stringent measures to prevent such activities. This order was passed in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that highlighted the rampant organization of unauthorized lotteries in various districts across the state.
During the hearing, Mr. H.K. Das, the learned Amicus Curiae, informed the Court that under the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998 and the Lotteries (Regulation) Rules, 2010, only the State Government is authorized to organize lotteries under strict terms and conditions. However, it was pointed out that some individuals have been seeking permission from District Commissioners to organize offline and online lotteries, and in some cases, such permissions were being granted without legal authority.
Mr. Das raised concerns that with the festive season underway, there is a heightened risk of illegal lotteries being organized across Assam, potentially exploiting the poor and vulnerable. He urged the Court to issue a prohibitory order to prevent these illegal lotteries from taking place.
The Court was informed by Mr. R.K. Borah, learned Additional Senior Government Advocate, Assam, that responses had been received from 25 District Commissioners, all of whom denied granting any permission for organizing lotteries. Despite these submissions, the Court noted that the State Government had not yet filed a formal response to the PIL petition.
In its interim order, the Court directed the Assam Government to file a counter affidavit within six weeks, detailing the steps being taken to address the issue of illegal lotteries. Furthermore, the Court ordered the State Government to issue directives to all District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police within one week, prohibiting the granting of permissions for any offline or online lotteries. The Superintendents of Police were also instructed to take immediate legal action if any illegal lottery activities were discovered.
The Court’s directive aims to protect the people of Assam from falling victim to unauthorized lottery schemes, ensuring that such activities are conducted in compliance with the law.
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