Gauhati High Court imposed an immediate ban on Illegal Lotteries in Assam

The Gauhati High Court has imposed an immediate ban on online and offline lotteries in Assam, following concerns raised over such illegal operations in the state.

The decision came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) which pointed out that lotteries were being conducted without proper authorisation in violation of the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998 and the Lotteries (Regulation) Rules, 2010. The Act stipulates that only the state government can conduct lotteries as per specific conditions, but it was found that some people were conducting these lotteries by illegally obtaining permission from the district commissioners.

The court's decision was taken to ensure the safety of the public, especially during the festive season when such unauthorised lotteries are in vogue. The court directed the state government to strictly enforce the ban. It also ordered district commissioners and superintendents of police to take immediate action against illegal lottery operations. The move is aimed at preventing the exploitation of the weaker sections of the people in Assam and maintaining legal standards.

Amicus curiae H.K. Das stressed that the state government has the right to conduct lotteries under the Lottery (Regulation) Act, 1998 and Lottery (Regulation) Rules, 2010. But, in many cases, people obtained permission from the district commissioners to conduct lotteries, which is not legally correct.

Keeping in view the festival season, Das raised concern over the rise of illegal lotteries, which may lead to the exploitation of poor people. He appealed to the court to issue orders to stop such activities.

Additional Senior Government Advocate for Assam R.K. Bora informed the court that 25 district commissioners have refused to grant permission for any such lottery. However, the court found that the state government is yet to file a formal reply to the PIL. However, some district commissioners have submitted their counter affidavits.

The court gave the state government six weeks to detail the steps taken to deal with illegal lotteries. Also, all district commissioners and superintendents of police were ordered to issue clear instructions, prohibiting them from giving permission for lotteries and taking immediate legal action against illegal lottery organisers.

The purpose of this decision is to protect the vulnerable population of Assam from exploitation and ensure compliance with legal rules.