The Supreme Court on Monday asked what business the government has got to do by running lotteries, which according to a petition is ruining the lives of lakhs of families.
"The state (government) has no business to get into this business of lottery. Why should Parliament enact a law for the purpose?" a bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and A K Patnaik told Additional Solicitor General Haren Rawal.
The apex court said the question raised by the petitioner Satyavir Singh, a UP-based resident, was quite serious and needs to be examined.
It accordingly admitted the writ petition filed by Singh questioning functioning of lotteries in the country.
The bench said the petitioner has raised a valid point that the lotteries has the potential to ruin the lives of many families, mostly poor who are lured by the fablous prize money.
"We agree with him (petitioner) that it does not help the poor. Why should the state be a party to it? It is really a very serious matter. We are admitting the petition," the bench said while seeking a response of the Centre on the plea of the petitioner to ban lotteries in the country.
According to the petitioner, a number of states are conducting lotteries in violation of the Central Lotteries Act and conducting every day dozens of draws and bumper draws.
The petitioner pointed out that as per law only weekly draws can be conducted and six bumper draws in a year.
However, he complained lotteries in various parts of the country are being held even on hourly basis, luring many gullible investors.
