Renewed demand for ballot-based voting system to safeguard India’s democratic integrity

New Delhi: Raising questions on both judicial urgency and electoral integrity, Dr. K.A. Paul urged the Supreme Court and the government to act against illegal betting networks and to restore ballot-based voting across India.

Dr. Paul’s petition seeks urgent judicial intervention against actors and celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and many others who allegedly received large sums to promote illegal betting and gaming applications. These platforms, he stated, have caused widespread financial losses, mental distress, and even suicides among India’s youth.

He also mentioned that he personally appeared before the Supreme Court on 23 May and 1 August 2025, following which the Court issued notices and interim directions. However, the Union Government and most State Governments are yet to file its counter, reflecting what Dr. Paul described it as “deep administrative apathy.”

Dr. Paul said, “Millions of Indian families have suffered because of these illegal betting apps. No celebrity or corporation can be above the law.”

The petition further requests the Court to:

• Identify and prosecute those promoting illegal platforms.
• Create a compensation fund for affected victims and families.
• Ensure accountability for lives lost due to these unlawful activities.

Renewed Call for Electoral Reform

Dr. Paul also renewed his national appeal for electoral transparency, urging the government to ban Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and reintroduce ballot papers.

He said, “Every major democracy uses ballot papers for transparency and trust. India must do the same to protect the sanctity of its elections.”

He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India to act decisively in restoring public confidence in the electoral process. He said, “If not now, when? If not you, who? The people deserve elections they can believe in.”

Referring to the Bihar elections, Dr. Paul expressed concern over the continued use of EVMs, calling it a “threat to India’s democratic integrity” and urging all political parties to unite for electoral reform and democratic revival.