NI Bureau
Calls for Legal Action Against Celebrity Endorsers; Urges Parliament to Introduce Legislation
New Delhi, 25 March 2025:
Dr. K. A. Paul, the World’s Most Popular evangelist, Global Peace President and a politician, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India seeking an immediate ban on all gambling and betting apps, both legal and illegal, citing their devastating impact on the youth. Addressing a press conference today at Andhra Bhawan, New Delhi, Dr. Paul highlighted the alarming rise in thousands of suicides linked to online gambling and called for urgent government intervention.
“In Telangana alone, 978 young people have taken their own lives in the past year due to the financial and psychological distress caused by these platforms,” Dr. Paul stated. “The future of our nation is at stake, and we cannot allow a few billion dollars in revenue to come at the cost of millions of young lives.”
Dr. Paul revealed that he met with an M. P and very senior leader of the ruling BJP at 9:30 AM today, who assured him that the issue would be raised in Parliament this week, possibly as early as tomorrow. He further emphasized that beyond banning these apps, there must be strict legal consequences for those promoting them.
Legal Action Against Celebrity Endorsers
The PIL also calls for legal action against high-profile celebrities, including top cricketers and film stars, who endorse gambling platforms. Dr. Paul specifically named Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, and several South Indian actors, holding them responsible for misleading their vast fan base and encouraging harmful behaviors.
“These celebrities are supposed to be role models, yet they are endorsing platforms that have destroyed countless lives. This is nothing short of a crime, and they should be held accountable under IPC Section 302 for abetting suicides,” Dr. Paul declared.
He also commended the Telangana Police for registering FIRs against 25 celebrities involved in gambling endorsements but cautioned against token arrests and swift releases. “We demand real accountability, not just arrests that result in bail within 24 hours.”
72-Hour Ultimatum for Celebrities
Dr. Paul issued a 72-hour ultimatum to all celebrities involved in gambling endorsements. “They have two choices: publicly apologize and return the earnings made from these endorsements to the families affected, or face legal consequences. If they fail to do so, I demand their immediate arrest.”
Dr. Paul concluded his address by urging the central government to take decisive action by banning all gambling and betting apps and introducing stringent laws to prevent future exploitation. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior leaders to ensure swift justice and protection for India’s youth.
