Evangelist in India Alleges Near-Kidnap Attempt by Hired Thugs Due to His Anti-Gambling Stance
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has initiated consultations following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. K.A. Paul, urging politicians to take action against online gambling apps. The litigation, which challenges the operation of these apps under the Public Gambling Act, calls for uniform central legislation to regulate or prohibit them.
Dr. Paul, a notable figure, has been vocal about the potential harm these apps pose, particularly to the youth and vulnerable sections of society. He claims that betting apps are advertising as fantasy sports apps and skill-based games to get around existing laws, a practice he finds deeply concerning.
The litigation also highlights the issue of celebrities endorsing these illegal online gambling apps in India. Dr. Paul has expressed his concern, stating that these apps are destroying millions of lives and causing thousands of deaths. He recently posted a video urging Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for security after an attempted kidnapping by "goons" over the weekend in Delhi. He has requested security from the Prime Minister.
India, the most populated nation in the world, is considering a ban on online betting apps. The Indian government has already taken active steps to curb unlawful online betting activities. As of August 2025, they have blocked 1,524 illegal online betting, gambling, and gaming websites and mobile apps since 2022, in an effort to enforce compliance with Indian tax laws, specifically the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) is empowered to order intermediaries to block unregistered platforms, including offshore operators evading the 28% GST on the full face value of bets, regardless of the nature of the game (skill or chance). However, enforcement challenges persist, with some blocked sites reportedly still accessible due to domain changes and evasive tactics by operators.
In response to the litigation and ongoing concerns, the central government has intensified enforcement actions, including blocking access to non-compliant offshore gambling sites, coordinating with technology intermediaries such as Google to restrict such platforms, and clarifying tax obligations on the total wagered amount for online betting.
The Supreme Court justices have reached out to entities such as Google, Apple, and the Reserve Bank of India, regarding these issues. The Court has notified the Union government and states, prioritizing the matter and asking for the Attorney General and Solicitor General to be present at the next hearing scheduled for August 18, 2025.
The litigation also cites multiple instances of suicide over betting debts in India, underscoring the urgent need for action. As the Supreme Court considers the ban on online betting apps, the Indian government continues its multi-pronged regulatory and enforcement approach, targeting illegal online betting apps through blocking orders, tax mandates, and coordination with digital platforms.
[1] Indian Express [2] The Hindu [4] Live Law [5] Business Standard
- In light of the ongoing discussions over online gambling apps, current trends in casino-and-gambling, particularly surrounding politics and crime-and-justice, are closely being watched as India contemplates a ban.
- The Supreme Court's hearing, scheduled on August 18, 2025, amidst general-news headlines regarding the PIL filed by Dr. K.A. Paul, has sparked concerns over gambling trends due to celebrities endorsing these apps and their impact on vulnerable sections of society.
