Petition filed in Telangana high court seeking removal of illegal betting ads from Hyderabad metro

HYDERABAD: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before the Telangana high court seeking the removal of advertisements promoting illegal online betting apps on Metro trains and Metro rail premises in Hyderabad.
Advocate Nagurbabu N, who filed the PIL, also urged the court to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate financial transactions between the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) and online betting firms.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara heard the PIL on Thursday.
The petition also sought directions to restrain HMRL, its associated agencies, and contractors from displaying, promoting, or facilitating advertisements for illegal offshore betting platforms—either directly or through surrogate branding—on Metro trains, station premises, or any public infrastructure under HMRL’s control.
Additionally, the PIL requested that the Telangana Chief Minister constitute an independent high-level committee, headed by a retired High Court judge, to review HMRL’s advertisement policies, ensure operational transparency, and recommend reforms to prevent future legal violations. The committee would also be required to submit periodic progress reports to the High Court.
Further, directions were sought for HMRL and the police department to launch an awareness campaign across the Metro network, informing commuters that online betting and gambling are prohibited in Telangana under the Telangana Gaming Act.
In response to the PIL, Tejaswini Mereddy, Standing Counsel for HMRL, requested a day’s time to file documents demonstrating that no betting app advertisements are currently being permitted in Metro stations, trains, or related areas.
Following this submission, the bench posted the matter for further hearing on April 29. Notices have already been issued to HMRL and the concerned authorities.