As the holiday season approaches, the Tamil Nadu government is racing against time to ensure that its appeal against the recent Madras High Court ruling on online gambling is heard before the break. In a recent statement, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that it is crucial for the appeal to be heard before the holidays in order to protect the interests of the state and its residents.
The Madras High Court recently ruled that online gambling platforms such as rummy and poker should be allowed to operate in the state, overturning the government’s ban on these activities. The decision has caused uproar among officials and lawmakers, who are concerned about the potential negative impact of online gambling on vulnerable populations, particularly youth and low-income individuals.
In response to the ruling, the Tamil Nadu government filed an appeal with the court, seeking to overturn the decision and reinstate the ban on online gambling. However, there are concerns that the appeal may not be heard before the holidays, which could result in online gambling platforms continuing to operate unchecked during the break.
Anbumani Ramadoss, who has been a vocal critic of online gambling, stressed the importance of expediting the appeal process in order to protect the state’s interests. He argued that allowing online gambling to continue unchecked could have serious consequences for public health and safety, as well as the state’s economy.
Ramadoss also highlighted the potential impact of online gambling on vulnerable populations, pointing out that these platforms often target individuals who are already at a disadvantage. He urged the court to prioritize the appeal and ensure that it is heard before the holidays, in order to prevent further harm to the people of Tamil Nadu.
As the debate over online gambling continues to escalate, it remains to be seen whether the Tamil Nadu government will be able to secure a timely hearing for its appeal. In the meantime, officials like Anbumani Ramadoss are continuing to advocate for the protection of public health and safety in the face of growing concerns about the proliferation of online gambling in the state.
