The Karnataka High Court has issued an order halting all forms of betting activities or races at the Bangalore Turf Club.
The Facts of the Case
On March 21, 2024, the Bangalore Turf Club formally petitioned the state government for permission to conduct both on-course and off-course horse racing events, including betting activities, at their premises from April to August 2024. The state government turned down their request. Later, the Bangalore Turf Club, along with others, approached the High Court. The High Court asked the state government to review their decision and submit a report on June 6.
Following which, the state government reviewed BTC’s request and issued a decision on June 6 denying permission for the horse racing events. The decision was based on various irregularities, including accusations of tax evasion and participation in illicit betting. This prompted the Bangalore Turf Club and a few others to file an application in the High Court, wherein they are challenging the state government’s decision, which denied permission to organize horse races.
Court’s Decision
The Division Bench, comprised of Chief Justice N. V. Anjaria and Justice K. V. Aravind, conducted an extensive hearing on this matter. The court later decided to temporarily suspend all horse racing events until further proceedings.
