Karnataka HC Bars Police From Interfering With Club’s Lawful Member-Only Games, Subject To CCTV And Ban On Games Of Chance

SLV Sports Club Private Limited, represented by its director, sought a writ restraining the police from interfering with its recreational and lawful sports activities, requiring police permission to operate, or preventing the Club from reopening.

The Court heard the parties and recorded that the issue was covered by Shri Sharan Recreation Club v. State of Karnataka and Others, W.P. No. 202195/2026, decided on 11 June 2026.

The Court relied on the conditions imposed in Shri Sharan Recreation Club v. State of Karnataka and Others, W.P. No. 202195/2026, decided on 11 June 2026.

It also referred to the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, including Sections 2(14) and 2(15), concerning acts of amusement, and Section 2(7), Explanation II, concerning games of chance.

The order prohibits unlawful activities and games of chance, while permitting lawful recreational activities, including games of skill, subject to police oversight and action in accordance with law.

Because the matter was covered by the cited recreation-club decision, the Court disposed of the petition on the conditions stated there.

Those conditions require CCTV coverage and retention of footage, member identity cards, exclusion of non-members and guests, and safeguards against games of chance, stakes, or unlawful activity; they also permit periodic police visits and lawful enforcement action.

The Court accordingly balanced the Club’s ability to conduct lawful recreational activities against the police’s authority to address unlawful conduct.

The Club must comply with the specified safeguards, and the respondents must not interfere with its members’ lawful recreational activities.

The order does not prevent the jurisdictional police from invoking the Karnataka Police Act or taking action in accordance with law if unlawful or immoral activities are found.