Supreme Court Demands Detailed Response from Centre on Controversial Online Gaming Law

Supreme Court's Inquiry into Online Gaming Legislation

New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court instructed the Central Government to provide a thorough response regarding petitions that contest the online gaming law, which prohibits 'online money games' and restricts banking services and advertising associated with them.

A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan noted that the Centre had submitted its response concerning the interim requests made in the petitions.

"We require the Additional Solicitor General representing the Union to submit a detailed reply to the main petition," the bench stated.

The court also directed that a copy of this response be shared in advance with the advocates for the petitioners, allowing them the opportunity to file any rejoinders promptly.

The case has been scheduled for a hearing on November 26.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, marks the first central legislation to ban real-money online gaming, including fantasy sports and e-sports played for stakes, and has faced legal challenges in the Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh high courts.

Senior advocate C A Sundaram, representing the petitioners, informed the bench that the gaming industry had been completely shut down for over a month.

During the proceedings, one advocate mentioned that a new writ petition had been filed but had not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

"As a chess player, this is my livelihood, and I was about to launch an app," the lawyer expressed.

"India is a unique country. You are a player wanting to play, and this is your sole source of income, hence your desire to join the proceedings," Justice Pardiwala remarked.

The counsel explained that the petitioner participates in online tournaments organized by companies and pays a fee to enter.

The bench decided to include his plea with the ongoing petitions.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a series of transferred petitions that challenge the online gaming law.

Additionally, the bench will hear a separate petition on November 26, which seeks government action against online gambling and betting platforms that allegedly masquerade as social and e-sports games.

On Monday, the Supreme Court requested the Centre's response to a plea filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) and Shourya Tiwari.

The petitioners contend that the Act imposes an all-encompassing ban even on skill-based games recognized by the judiciary, infringing upon Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to pursue any profession or engage in lawful trade.

Recently, the Karnataka High Court issued a notice regarding another related petition.

On September 8, the Supreme Court had permitted a plea from the Centre to transfer petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, from three high courts to the Supreme Court to prevent conflicting judgments.

The petitions from the Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh high courts were subsequently transferred to the apex court.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) filed the request for the transfer of these cases to the Supreme Court.

"Given the multiple litigations pending in various high courts involving similar legal questions and challenging the validity of the same Act, it is crucial that these cases are consolidated to avoid differing opinions or redundant proceedings," the plea stated.

Following the law's presidential assent, numerous petitions were filed in high courts contesting its validity.

The law prohibits the offering or playing of online money games, regardless of whether they are games of skill or chance, categorizing violations as cognizable and non-bailable offenses.

The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, passed within two days by voice vote in both Houses of Parliament, and received presidential assent on August 22.