Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has issued notice in a case filed against Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act of 1955 and seeking permission to gamble through online games. The case has been filed by an online gaming company showing that the provisions of this law should be declared as unconstitutional.
Reportedly, a bench comprising Chief Justice Dr S. Muralidhar and Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra heard the case and issued a notice to the state government to file a response in connection to this case.
The next hearing of this case has been slated for February, 2022. The State Home Department, the Police DG and other officials have also been included in this case, added reports.
It is to be noted that gambling is banned in Odisha. Under the Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, 1955, the State government has declared gambling as illegal and made it a punishable offense. However, in some parts of the country people are gambling via various online platforms.
According to Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act, whoever takes part in gambling in a common gaming – house shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both and any person found in any common gaming – house during any gaming or playing therein shall be presumed until the contrary be proved to have been there for the purpose of gaming and to have taken part therein.
Based on this, the online gaming company has filed the lawsuit against the restrictions of imposed on gambling under Odisha Prevention of Gambling Act. It has appealed that like other states, it should also be allowed in Odisha.
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Ms Kalinga