HYDERABAD: In response to a High Court directive, the Hyderabad Metro Rail Corporation Limited (HMRL) has removed all betting app ads from metro stations across the city. The move comes after the court issued notices concerning the promotion of offshore illegal betting platforms such as 1xBET, Fairplay, and My Jackpot 777.
Following a petition filed against the advertising of these platforms, the High Court instructed that all promotional materials related to illegal betting apps be taken down immediately. The Advocate General, Sudarshan Reddy, informed the court that HMRL has complied with the order and confirmed the removal of these ads from all metro station premises.
The court had raised objections after it was brought to light that several metro stations were displaying advertisements for unregulated and illegal betting services. Acting swiftly on the matter, HMRL reported that it had instructed L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad, the operator responsible for ad space under Clause 17.5 of their agreement, to remove the content.
According to Sudarshan Reddy, while L&T holds advertising rights as per the HMRL-L&T agreement, the corporation acted upon receiving complaints from the GHMC about betting promotions and issued immediate orders for their removal.
This step underscores the legal and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the advertisement of offshore betting apps in India, especially on public platforms like metros. It also reflects the judicial push for stronger enforcement against unregulated digital gambling promotions.