Centre moves SC to consolidate legal challenges against Online Gaming ban

The Union government has approached the Supreme Court, requesting the transfer of multiple petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 from various High Courts to the apex court. 

As per the Bar and Bench report, the move aims to avoid inconsistent judgments across jurisdictions.

These petitions are currently pending before the Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi High Courts. The government urged the Supreme Court to list the transfer plea early, citing an imminent interim hearing in Karnataka. The Chief Justice’s bench has agreed to list the matter for consideration next week.

The disputed law, passed by Parliament on 21 August and receiving presidential assent on 22 August, enforces a nationwide ban on real-money online games, including fantasy sports and other skill-based formats.

Petitioners argue that the Act indiscriminately prohibits even games of skill, violating the constitutional right to practice any profession or trade. Gaming companies like Clubboom11 and others have obtained notices in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which set the next hearing for 28 October after directing the Centre to respond within a month.

In parallel, petitions are underway in Karnataka and Delhi. The Centre hopes to consolidate all challenges in the Supreme Court to ensure a unified and consistent judicial determination.

Last week, A23’s parent company becamethe first major gaming company to challenge the new law. However, leading players like Dream11, Gameskraft, and MPL have chosen not to contest the legislation in court.