TN govt mulling law to ban/regulate online gambling; Madras High Court voices concern over "hero worship" of celebrities endorsing online games

The Madras High Court was informed today that the State of Tamil Nadu is contemplating the introduction of a law to ban or regulate online gambling, in the wake of multiple suicides across the State (S Muthukumar v. Union of India and ors). .The Bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and B Pugalendhi was hearing a PIL filed against Online Rummy, when Additional Advocate General M Sricharan Rangarajan pointed out that Tamil Nadu's Chief Minster has already issued a public statement intimating that there would be a complete ban on online gambling. ."The government Is contemplating serious action. The Chief Minister has come out with a statement that there shall be a complete ban on online gambling", AAG Rangarajan informed the Court..The AAG added that the State is now working out the modalities for introducing such a law. Since the Assembly is not in session, the law may have to be introduced through an ordinance, he submitted. He added that the Court may record his statement that the law will be passed and that the State is navigating the manner in which it should be done. ."We appreciate the statement made by the Chief Minister", Justice Kirubakaran responded..However, the Court proceeded to express concern over how long the process may take, orally observing, "How long will it take? Every day lives are lost.... Why don't you come with a memo on what steps are contemplated? We want a commitment. When the CM says, it is final. There is no problem at all, but when?".Referring to celebrity endorsements of online games, the Court added, ."... all these people, celebrities, are becoming ambassadors for these kinds of things. And we are told that one cricketer has got so many followers - if he appears in an advertisement, ten thousands will follow. In our country, hero-worshipping is there...and in Tamil Nadu, cinema (actor) means finished... Even if one person who has acted in a movie (endorses such games) - immediately, he will become the future of Tamil Nadu.".The Court was further informed that three more persons have committed suicide since the institution of the present case..Appearing for a gaming platform impleaded as a respondent in the matter, Senior Advocate PS Raman informed the Court today that three main legitimate online rummy companies have given a representation to the Tamil Nadu government so that stakeholder views may be considered before regulation is introduced. This representation also covered how the such games are regulated worldwide, Raman submitted. .The Bench, however, remarked that India cannot be compared to Western countries in these matters, as people are not as well informed on such issues..Raman responded by pointing out that in India, gaming platforms also have additional safeguards such as automatically throwing a player out of the virtual gaming room if there is a loss of Rs 4,000-5,000. He added that it is still not clear whether the State is planning to ban online gambling or strictly regulate it, as some other states have done. .The Bench proceeded to adjourn the matter after directing the State to file an affidavit by November 24 on the steps taken to regulate/ban online gambling and the time frame within which this is expected to be done. .The Central government has also been asked to clarify its stance on the issue. In this regard, it was pointed out that a conflict may arise between the Centre's laws and State laws if the former chooses to legislate on the issue. .While the State deals with law and order, the Centre holds the power to legislate on matters concerning the internet, Raman pointed out. Therefore, he noted, "If these Centre passes a law regulating online rummy, there may be conflict.".It was suggested that the Centre could come out with a comprehensive legislation to cover the issue. .On a related note, the same Bench is expected to take up tomorrow a plea seeking action against celebrities endorsing online gambling games, in which notice was issued earlier this month to cricketer Virat Kohli, and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, among others. This plea also has actors Prakash Raj, Tamannah Bhatia, Rana Daggubati and Sudeep as respondents. .Madras High Court issues notice to Centre, TN, Virat Kohli, Saurav Ganguly in PIL against online games