Centre Seeks Supreme Court Nod to Transfer All Online Gaming Law Challenges from High Courts

The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of petitions pending before the Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts challenging the constitutional validity of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.

The government argued that multiple proceedings on identical issues, alleged violations of Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21, federalism concerns, and equating games of skill with chance could result in conflicting rulings.

The law, India’s first central ban on real money online gaming, criminalises both playing and offering such games.

Passed in August, it faces challenges from platforms like Head Digital. SC will hear the transfer plea next week.