Also voices concern over US import tariffs calling them “unfair” and harmful to bilateral trade
New Delhi, August 7, 2025
Dr. K.A. Paul addressed the media in the national capital on Thursday reiterating his long-standing demand for a total ban on online betting apps in India. His statement came after his arguments in the Honarable Supreme Court on 1st August Dr Paul wrote letters to 775 . M. P.’s and the Prime Minister to pass the law to ban all betting APP’s effecting 300 million youth and killing countless thousands of lives .Dr. Paul also referred to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) questioning of actor Vijay Deverakonda in connection with the funding of the film Liger, which allegedly involved money from a betting app company. “This is a serious issue—when celebrities knowingly or unknowingly lend their face to such platforms, it not only misleads the public but gives cover to criminal activity,” he said.
Dr. Paul, who has consistently raised the alarm over the rising influence of betting platforms, said that while the Supreme Court’s intervention is a positive step, it is “just the beginning” of what must become a broader political and legislative crackdown. “I have been warning the nation about these betting apps since last year. Today, the Supreme Court has spoken, but it’s not enough. Political parties must act, and the government must ensure a blanket ban,” he said.
He also pointed out the deeper societal consequences of allowing such platforms to flourish unchecked, particularly among youth. According to him, the lack of concrete legislative action till now reflects an alarming complacency. He warned that unless strong regulations are introduced immediately, the betting industry would continue to destroy millions of lives under the guise of entertainment and digital freedom.
In addition to his remarks on betting apps, Dr. Paul also touched upon international economic policy, sharply criticising U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to global tariffs. Referring to Trump’s previous tariff hikes on Chinese goods and suggestions of similar moves against India, Paul said such decisions were detrimental not only to U.S.-India trade relations but also to global economic stability.
“India must be prepared to assert its economic interests on the global stage. We cannot let ourselves be bullied by Western tariff threats,” he added.
Through his press conference, K.A. Paul made it clear that his campaign against online betting platforms is far from over. With renewed urgency after the Supreme Court’s notices ,he vowed to continue mobilising public opinion and pressing lawmakers until meaningful legislative action is taken.. Dr Paul urged all to pray for Nimisha’s release as soon as possible.
