Writ petitions by recreation clubs dismissed

​Hyderabad: The High Court at Hyderabad has dismissed a batch of writ petitions filed by various recreation clubs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States seeking a direction to the police not to interfere in their club activities like playing 13 cards rummy games.

Justice A Ramalingeswara Rao dismissed these petitions recently saying they were not eligible to be heard because of the earlier division bench judgment that clearly ruled against these activities.

MLAs Colony Residents Welfare and Cultural Association in Hyderabad, Karminagar Advocates Recreation Club, Navodaya Sports and Cultural Association in East Godavari and many other clubs approached the High Court complaining that the police personnel were unnecessarily harassing them by conducting raids. They contended that 13 card rummy game is a skill-enhancing game and cannot be treated as gambling.

The Government Pleaders of Home Departments of both the States countered this argument by saying in the name of 13 card rummy, there is possibility of many nefarious and illegal activities being resorted to in such clubs.

The judge commented that “what transpires in the clubs is hard to prove.” He pointed out that the legislation on Gaming gave authority to the police to check illegal activities. At the same time he wanted the police also to exercise this authority in a measured and in a legally prescribed manner.

The Supreme Court pronouncements in this regard must be kept in mind by the police, he said while dismissing the writ petitions.