GUWAHATI: The District Magistrate of Kokrajhar, Masanda M. Pertin, issued an order banning the organisation of both offline and online illegal lotteries within the district. This move came in compliance with a recent directive from the Guwahati High Court, which has raised concerns over the growing problem of unauthorised lotteries across Assam.
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The High Court’s decision follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted illegal lottery operations in several districts of the state. In response, the Court instructed the Assam Government to ensure that no district authorities permit such activities. It also called for immediate action against anyone found to be violating these guidelines.
Acting on the Court’s directive, the Home and Political Department of the Assam Government has instructed all District Magistrates to enforce a ban on lotteries. Consequently, District Magistrate Pertin has invoked powers under Section 163 of the BNSS Act to prohibit the conduct of any lottery in Kokrajhar district. This order is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
The district administration has warned that those who disregard the order will face strict legal action. Pertin has urged both individuals and organisations to comply with the ruling and avoid any involvement in illegal lottery activities.
