The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday sought a response from the Central government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on “opinion trading” platforms that allegedly facilitate illegal online betting and gambling activities.

The petition was filed by advocate Anuj Malik.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel issued notice to the Union of India, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), State of Haryana, and other authorities.

According to the petitioner, these online platforms are disguising betting under the name of “opinion trading,” allowing users to wager on speculative outcomes such as cricket match results, election outcomes, cryptocurrency movements, and current events.

Senior Advocate Atul Nanda, appearing for the petitioner, argued that such platforms are effectively operating as betting outlets. Citing an example, he said users are prompted to respond to questions like “Will India win the 2025 ODI against England?” with a simple yes or no, and are paid for correct predictions. “This is not a game of skill. It is old-age satta (gambling) and needs to be curbed to protect the youth,” Nanda submitted.

He further noted that regulatory bodies like SEBI currently lack direct powers to take down these platforms and must seek intervention from the Central government. “Authorities are taking cognizance, but they are powerless without proper regulations,” he said.

During the hearing, the Court observed that technology had outpaced the law. “These are instances where science has taken a march over law... because technology is evolving so fast,” the Bench remarked.

Nanda also raised concerns over a rise in youth suicides linked to losses on such platforms. Acknowledging the issue, the Court said, “That is why we have issued notice.”

Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain informed the Court that a similar matter is already under consideration before the High Court and sought time to obtain instructions from relevant ministries.

The Court issued notice and scheduled the matter for further hearing on May 20.

The PIL seeks directions to prohibit online platforms and mobile applications from promoting or advertising betting activities through social or mainstream media, arguing that such actions violate the Public Gambling Act and other legal provisions. It also calls for the freezing of bank accounts associated with these platforms by institutions like the National Payments Corporation of India and the RBI.

The petition particularly points to a surge in such betting activities during the ongoing IPL season, accusing platforms of exploiting public enthusiasm under the pretense of “opinion trading.”

“These platforms mislead users by portraying themselves as skill-based, akin to online rummy or fantasy sports, when in reality they fall squarely under the definition of gambling,” the plea states.

Malik contends that such operations are in clear violation of the Haryana Prevention of Public Gambling Act and warrant penal action.