The Union government on Thursday approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of multiple petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 from different high courts to the apex court to prevent conflicting judgments.
The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran. “The Union has filed a transfer plea… the Online Gaming Regulation Act has been challenged before three high courts. If it can be listed on Monday since it’s listed for interim orders before the Karnataka High Court,” the Centre’s counsel submitted.
Taking note of the request, the CJI agreed to list the matter for consideration next week.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 marks the first central legislation imposing a nationwide ban on real-money online gaming, covering formats such as fantasy sports. It prohibits the offering or playing of online money games, whether based on skill or chance, and categorises violations as cognisable and non-bailable offences.
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, cleared by both Houses of Parliament within two days through a voice vote, and received Presidential assent on August 22. Since then, it has come into force as law.
The Act has been challenged in the Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi High Courts by various stakeholders in the online gaming industry. Petitioners have argued that the blanket ban infringes upon the right to trade and business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution and fails to distinguish between games of skill and games of chance.
In its transfer petition, the Centre contended that as the legislation has been questioned across multiple jurisdictions, it would be appropriate for the Supreme Court to consolidate the cases and adjudicate them collectively. This, it said, would ensure consistency in judicial pronouncements and avoid multiplicity of litigation.
The plea is likely to come up for hearing next week, even as interim orders are awaited from the Karnataka High Court.
