Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025: Karnataka High Court Steps In
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 has become a topic of significant debate, especially in light of the Karnataka High Court’s recent involvement. The court, under the guidance of Justice B M Shyam Prasad, has issued a notice to the Union government. This request follows a petition brought forth by Head Digital Works, the parent entity of A23, which has emerged as the first gaming operator to legally contest the new legislation.
The legal representatives for the petitioners, senior advocates C. Aryama Sundaram and Dhyan Chinappa, have argued that the Act is fundamentally misleading. They point out that its terminology of “promotion and regulation” contradicts its actual implementation, which effectively presents a total ban on all money games. The petitioners cautioned the court about the potential for considerable backlash nationwide upon the immediate enactment of this ban.
According to the petitioners, such a prohibition could result in the loss of thousands of jobs, the interruption of established businesses, and detrimental effects on a sector that has drawn substantial investment. They have requested the government to either postpone the law’s notification or provide at least seven days’ notice for impacted parties to pursue legal remedies.
In opposition to this plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that once the President has endorsed a bill, notifying it is a constitutional obligation. He further asserted that the courts cannot halt this process. Nonetheless, Mehta acknowledged that the notification could be imminent and promised the court he would obtain directions from the government.
The upcoming hearing is slated for September 8 at 2:30 PM. The challenge posed by A23’s parent company stands as the first notable legal opposition to the new law. Meanwhile, other prominent companies such as Dream11, Gameskraft, and MPL have opted not to engage in legal action against this legislation.
