New Delhi The Delhi High Court has made a historic and strict observation regarding cricket betting. The court clearly stated that every rupee earned from cricket betting is ‘illegal profit’ because this activity is legally prohibited in India. The court also clarified that whether the earnings are small or large, whether conducted at a personal level or through organized networks—any income obtained through betting will be categorized as criminal activity.

The Delhi High Court dismissed 6 petitions related to an international cricket betting racket on Wednesday, stating that the network was based on criminal activity. Therefore, every profit earned from it is criminal.

Actually, petitions were filed by individuals involved in cricket betting. They had requested that the provisional attachments and notices issued by the Enforcement Directorate be cancelled, arguing that cricket betting is not an offense under PMLA and that their properties cannot be considered illegal income.

Order by single member of PMLA Authority also valid

The court stated that the Enforcement Directorate’s action was based on solid evidence. The entire racket was based on fraud and illegal networks. Therefore, property attachment and issuing notices were considered appropriate. The court clearly stated that the PMLA Adjudicating Authority is valid even with a single member.

This authority, which examines ED attachments, does not require a full panel of three members for hearings or orders. If there is one member, they can also issue notices, conduct hearings, and pass orders.

Property seizure is not mandatory before issuing notices. Giving notice is the first step to initiate hearings. Property attachment is a separate step. Notices can be issued even when no attachment has occurred. Attachment can also happen when notices come later.

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court is one of India’s oldest high courts, established in 1966 following the division of the former Punjab High Court. It functions as the highest judicial authority for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, operating from its iconic building shaped like a ‘ship’ in the capital’s administrative heart. The court’s history is deeply connected to the post-independence reorganization of India’s judicial system.

Enforcement Directorate

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not a place or cultural site, but a law enforcement agency of the Government of India. It is responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting financial crime, primarily investigating offenses related to money laundering and foreign exchange violations. The agency was established in 1956 and derives its power from laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

PMLA Authority

I am unable to provide a summary for “PMLA Authority” as it does not appear to be a recognized place or cultural site. PMLA most commonly refers to the *Publications of the Modern Language Association*, a prestigious academic journal for language and literature studies. It is not a physical location with a history as a cultural or historical site.

PMLA Adjudicating Authority

The PMLA Adjudicating Authority is not a physical place or cultural site, but a statutory body established under India’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Its function is to determine whether property attached by the Enforcement Directorate is involved in money laundering. The authority plays a crucial role in India’s legal framework for combating financial crimes.