Karnataka HC issues notice to Centre on A23’s plea against gaming law

The Karnataka High Court has stepped into the debate on India’s new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans all forms of online money games, including skill-based games like rummy and poker.

The court, led by Justice B M Shyam Prasad, has issued notice to the Union government. It has asked the Centre to file its reply to a petition filed by Head Digital Works, the parent company of A23, which became the first gaming operator to challenge the new law. 

The petitioners, represented by senior advocates C. Aryama Sundaram and Dhyan Chinappa, argued that the new Act is misleading. Its title suggests “promotion and regulation,” but in effect, it imposes a blanket ban on all money games. They warned the court that the sudden implementation of the law could trigger a “huge backlash” across the country.

According to them, the ban could destroy thousands of jobs, disrupt ongoing businesses, and impact a sector that has attracted heavy investment. They requested that the government either delay the notification of the law or at least provide seven days’ advance notice so that affected parties can seek legal remedies.

On behalf of the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea. He argued that once the President has given assent to a bill, notifying it is a constitutional function. The courts, he said, cannot stop this process. However, Mehta also acknowledged that the notification could be issued soon and assured the court that he would seek instructions from the government.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 8 at 2:30 PM.

The petition by A23’s parent company marked the first major legal challenge to the new law. However, leading players like Dream11, Gameskraft, and MPL have chosen not to contest the legislation in court.