No penal action for playing rummy with stakes

CHENNAI: Playing 13 cards rummy with or without stakes in recreational clubs by its members and guests will not attract any penal action, the Madras High Court has ruled.Justice S Rajeswaran gave the ruling while disposing of a writ petition from Mahalakshmi Cultural Association, represented by its secretary, on North Bose Road in T Nagar, on November 4 last.The petitioner sought to restrain the police from interfering in any manner in the activities of the association, including playing of 13 cards rummy game on the association premises. Advocate RC Paul Kanakaraj contended that playing rummy with stakes had been declared by the SC  as a game of skill and not a game of chance. It could never be described as gambling. However, the local police frequently disturbed the association under the guise of surprise inspections. Disposing of the petition, the judge permitted the association to conduct rummy game with or without  stakes. The judge also advised the police not to disturb the petitioner association frequently under the guise of inspection.