The Karnataka High Court has ruled that police authorities should not insist on any licence for recreational association or clubs, who carry out legal activities for the benefit of its members. But the court made it clear that it shall exclude games, like dart, video and electronic coin games, from the activities of these clubs.
The court ordered that the police should not insist on these licences as sought under the Karnataka Police Act or under the Licensing and Controlling of Places of Public Amusement order. The police authorities, however, are given liberty to monitor activities of the clubs and to initiate action if they indulge in illegal activities. The court was hearing a petition filed by several clubs and association, which had approached the court seeking directions to police authorities to not insist on any license to carry out lawful activities. They had further sought permission from the court restraining the police from interfering in skilled games, like rummy, poker, carrom, snooker, chess, wall ball and other games.
The clubs told the court that these games do not constitute gambling activity or game of chance, and moreover they are not carried out in public and no outsiders are allowed other than the members, and no licences are required. The court allowed their submission that the police are interfering in their lawful activities and directed the police that they are at liberty to monitor and take action only if any illegal activities are being carried out.