In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has issued an interim order overturning the Karnataka government’s decision to halt horse racing and betting activities at the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC). The court’s decision came in response to petitions filed by BTC, associations representing horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and punters.
The High Court deemed the government’s refusal to renew licenses for horse racing and betting as arbitrary and unjustified. It emphasized that horse racing is recognized as a game of skill, a stance upheld by the Supreme Court, thereby invalidating the state government’s grounds for withholding licenses based on allegations of illegal activities.
The court noted discrepancies in the government’s actions, pointing out that despite criminal proceedings initiated against certain individuals linked to the BTC, the state had previously issued licenses to the club in March 2024. The High Court emphasized that the ban imposed on racing and betting would not only adversely affect the petitioners but also harm racehorses by disrupting their regular activities.
