The dispute before the High Court concerns the State Home Department’s order refusing a racing license and the Finance Department’s order refusing a betting license to BTC. Both orders were passed on June 6.
This refusal was challenged by way of a batch of writ petitions not only by the BTC but also by the Karnataka Race Horse Owner’s Association, the Karnataka Trainers Association, punters (those who engage in betting) and the Jockeys’ Association of India.
The petitioners highlighted that racing and betting activities had been carried out for over a century without hindrance. It was argued that more than 20,000 people directly and indirectly depend on horse racing and that it produces more than ₹1 crore tax daily.
On the other hand, the State argued that BTC was wholly responsible for the illegal betting being carried out, which led to the refusal to grant a license. BTC does not have a vested right to be granted a license, the State said. The State further contended it had faced a loss of ₹296 crore on account of tax evasion.
Source: Barandbench
