The High Court of Punjab and Haryana has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Ritesh Aggarwal, alleging illegal lotteries in Chandigarh.
Aggarwal cited the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998, which regulates lotteries in India, and claimed shopkeepers and market associations organized, conducted, and promoted lotteries, committing a cognizable offense punishable under Section 7.
It is also alleged that the said instances of lotteries are rampant in and around Chandigarh.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal declined interference, citing existing laws regulating lotteries.
The court directed the Director-General of Police, Chandigarh, to investigate and take action under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, if necessary.