Friday, May 13, 2016

Selling Of Online Lotteries From Other States In State Of Maharashtra Sought To Be Banned Through PIL

India has been struggling hard to deal with issues of online gambling, online gaming and online lotteries for long. Till now we have no dedicated online gambling and gaming laws in India. This position has become more complicated since the Supreme Court of India has refused to decide about legality of online poker, online rummy and online card games in India.

Recently the Indian government has clarified about the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in E-Commerce Sector of India. As per the “Consolidated FDI Policy Circular 2015” (pdf) (FDI Policy), FDI is prohibited in lottery business including Government/private lottery, online lotteries, etc and
gambling and betting including casinos etc. Recently the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Andhra Pradesh police had sought a ban on the website of “Playwin” which had allegedly been selling online lotteries banned in the state.

This episode has also proved that online gaming, online gambling and lotteries websites are not complying with the internet intermediary compliances and cyber law due diligence (pdf) requirements prescribed under the Information Technology Act 2000. Similarly, almost all of the online poker websites in India are violating one or other laws of India. Although online gaming market in India is booming yet regulatory compliances cannot be ignored. It seems online gaming and online gambling industry of India is not considering regulations while conducting their businesses in India.

A disturbing trend of "legal violations" is fast dominating the online gaming industry of India. For instance, the fine line and distinction between online gambling and online gaming in India is not appreciated and understood by online gambling and gaming enthusiastics of India. As a result they are frequently prosecuted in India for violating online gaming and online gambling laws of India. Even technical mechanisms are also used to curb such activities in restricted territories or zones so that activities of one state may not violate the laws of other state of India.

In the past, Kerala refused permission to Future Gaming Solutions India Private Ltd to sell Nagaland lotteries in the state. Now a social worker had knocked judiciary's doors praying for immediate ban on unauthorized and alluring online lotteries. Promoted by other states within Maharashtra, he contended that over 1,300 bogus online lotteries under various strange names are operating here and ruining lives of millions. A division bench comprising justice Bhushan Gavai and justice Swapna Joshi issued notices to central and state governments seeking their reply before court resumes after summer vacations.