PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) founder S. Ramadoss has called on the DMK government to expedite efforts to secure a hearing in the High Court regarding the appeal against its order permitting online gambling. He also urged the government to approach the Supreme Court to seek a ban on the practice.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ramadoss highlighted the tragic case of Krishnamurthy, a resident of Saligramam and a manager at a private firm, who recently died by suicide after losing ₹15 lakh in online gambling. According to Ramadoss, Krishnamurthy had been involved in online gambling for the past three years, and the guilt and depression stemming from his financial losses ultimately led him to take his own life.
Ramadoss pointed out that despite the PMK’s protests against online gambling, the state government has been unsuccessful in justifying its ban on the activity in court. “The state government banned online gambling twice, but it failed to defend the ban in the court, leading to severe financial and emotional distress for many families,” he stated.
He further criticized the government’s inaction over the past nine months, noting that it has failed to secure a stay against the Madras High Court’s order that allowed online gambling to continue. “Due to the government’s apathy, 15 individuals have lost their lives,” Ramadoss lamented.
The senior leader urged the state government to take immediate steps to bring the appeal case for a hearing in the High Court and to actively pursue the matter.