Supreme Court Cracks Down on Online Betting, Loan App Menace
The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the rising menace of online betting and loan applications, linking them to a surge in suicides across the nation. The court deemed the issue of critical public importance.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the devastating consequences of these apps, including several reported suicides, prompted the intervention. The court has sought responses from all states on regulating this burgeoning sector.
The apex court’s order includes a demand for a complete ban on celebrity endorsements and media publicity for these apps. The Centre is also a party to related proceedings.
The next hearing is scheduled for August 18, 2025. The Court’s intervention is crucial given the widespread impact of these unregulated apps on vulnerable populations, particularly the youth. The outcome will significantly shape the future of online gaming and lending regulations in India.
