Assam: Illegal gambling thrives at Rash Mela despite court ban

Open gambling activities have been reported at the ongoing Rash Mela in Sapatgram, Dhubri district. 

Despite being illegal, several gambling stalls have been set up at the event, with people openly engaging in betting and gambling. 

Earlier on October 4, 2024, the Gauhati High Court imposed an immediate ban on both online and offline lotteries in Assam, following growing concerns about illegal gambling activities in the state. 

The Court’s decision was in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition, which highlighted the illegal organization of such activities, violating the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998, and the Lotteries (Regulation) Rules, 2010.

Under the Act, only the State Government is authorized to organize lotteries under specific conditions, but it was revealed that some individuals had been obtaining illegal permissions from District Commissioners to conduct these activities. 

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With the festive season underway, the Court expressed concern about the rise of such unauthorized lotteries, especially during events like the Rash Mela, where public gatherings are common.

As part of the Court's ruling, the State Government was instructed to ensure strict enforcement of the ban. District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police have been tasked with taking immediate action against any illegal lottery or gambling operations. This measure aims to protect the public, particularly vulnerable individuals, from being exploited during the festival season.

The Court's decision further emphasizes the need for vigilance against unlawful practices, as gambling and lotteries can have a detrimental effect on communities, especially those who are less aware of the legal consequences. H.K. Das, serving as Amicus Curiae in the case, noted that the proliferation of such activities, especially during festive seasons, could negatively impact the public, particularly poorer populations in the state.

R.K. Borah, the Additional Senior Government Advocate for Assam, informed the Court that 25 District Commissioners had already denied requests to grant permissions for these lotteries. However, the Court observed that despite this, the State Government had not yet filed a formal response to the PIL. Some District Commissioners have submitted counter-affidavits, but the issue remains under active review.

The Court has given the State Government six weeks to file its response, outlining actions taken to curb illegal lottery operations. Clear instructions are expected to be issued to all District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to ensure that no such activities take place, with swift legal action against those involved in organizing illegal lotteries or gambling activities.