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The Supreme Court on Monday (September 8) agreed to hear all petitions challenging the Online Gaming Act that, currently pending before different High Courts. The decision follows the government’s request to consolidate all
cases before the apex court.
The apex court directed that matters pending before the Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka High Courts be moved to the SC for a consolidated hearing.
On August 28, the parent company of the gaming firm A23 Rummy had approached the Karnataka HC against the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The appellant argued that the law violates the right to trade and the right to equality.
Earlier today, the Karnataka HC deferred its scheduled hearing of the matter in view
of the SC’s decision to hear a transfer petition.
Also read: Government meets with banks, fintech firms on rollout of Online Gaming Act
The law is yet to be notified. During the proceedings, gaming platform A23 pressed for an urgent hearing and sought a stay on the Centre from notifying the law until the matter is decided.
The government, however, told the court that “nothing will happen” within a week, indicating that there is no immediate plan to notify the law. The case will now be taken up by the SC, which will hear all
challenges together.
Also read: Gaming is not bad but gambling is, need to safeguard future of youth: PM Modi
According to sources, the online gaming industry paid ₹20,000–₹22,000 crore in tax revenues last fiscal (FY25). As a result of the new law, one of the notable players from the industry, Dream11 nearly lost 95% of its revenues overnight.
Harsh Jain, CEO and Co-founder of Dream11, acknowledgedthe setback but stressed that the company will comply with the law while pivoting towards new opportunities in
sports content, AI, and global expansion.
The apex court directed that matters pending before the Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka High Courts be moved to the SC for a consolidated hearing.
On August 28, the parent company of the gaming firm A23 Rummy had approached the Karnataka HC against the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The appellant argued that the law violates the right to trade and the right to equality.
Earlier today, the Karnataka HC deferred its scheduled hearing of the matter in view
Also read: Government meets with banks, fintech firms on rollout of Online Gaming Act
The law is yet to be notified. During the proceedings, gaming platform A23 pressed for an urgent hearing and sought a stay on the Centre from notifying the law until the matter is decided.
The government, however, told the court that “nothing will happen” within a week, indicating that there is no immediate plan to notify the law. The case will now be taken up by the SC, which will hear all
Also read: Gaming is not bad but gambling is, need to safeguard future of youth: PM Modi
According to sources, the online gaming industry paid ₹20,000–₹22,000 crore in tax revenues last fiscal (FY25). As a result of the new law, one of the notable players from the industry, Dream11 nearly lost 95% of its revenues overnight.
Harsh Jain, CEO and Co-founder of Dream11, acknowledgedthe setback but stressed that the company will comply with the law while pivoting towards new opportunities in
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