The Gauhati High Court has instructed the Assam government to ensure that no permissions are granted for organising online or offline lotteries.
The directive was issued on Thursday following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Rupam Borborah, calling attention to the illegal conduct of lotteries in the state.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice N Unni Krishnan Nair, ordered the state to instruct all deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to stop authorising lottery activities in their districts within one week.
"The state government shall issue directions to all DCs and SPs not to grant any permission to any individual for organising online or offline lotteries," Bishnoi told the respondents’ advocate.
The court further mandated that district authorities take immediate action against those involved in the illegal organisation of lotteries. "The said direction is required to be issued by the state government within a period of one week," Bishnoi reiterated.
The court also expressed its dissatisfaction over the state government’s lack of response to the PIL. While some district administrations submitted affidavits, the government itself has not yet filed a counter affidavit.
"We are of the view that the state government is required to file its response as a counter affidavit to this PIL petition, showing how the state is proceeding to tackle the organisation of illegal online and offline lotteries in Assam," Chief Justice Bishnoi noted.
The court granted six weeks for the state government to submit its response.
Amicus curiae H K Das previously informed the court that several organisations and individuals had sought permission for lotteries from DCs, with some officials granting approval without proper authority.
The Chief Justice, echoing the amicus curiae's concerns, highlighted the need for a strict prohibitory order to prevent exploitation of vulnerable populations through illegal lotteries.
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