The Act mandates the prohibition of online money games and related banking services and advertisements, among other things. Image used for representation.
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The Supreme Court on Monday (September 8, 2025) allowed a petition filed by the Centre seeking transfer of three cases pending in Delhi, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh High Courts challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
A Bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala transferred the cases to the apex court.
The Act mandates the prohibition of online money games and related banking services and advertisements, among other things.
The Bench asked the High Courts to transfer the case records to the Supreme Court.
Arguing for a transfer, the Union government said multiple proceedings before the various High Courts would add to the confusion, especially if the judgments contradict each other. An authoritative pronouncement on the constitutionality of the statute would settle the law.
The Centre argued that the issue raised several questions of constitutional importance. The writ petitions, filed by online platforms and stakeholders, have argued that the law was a violation of the right to equality and freedom of expression, federalism and the settled distinction drawn between games of skill and those of chance.
Published – September 08, 2025 10:32 pm IST
