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The Karnataka High Court on Saturday directed the Union government to file its response to a petition challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Petitioners have argued that the legislation, if brought into effect immediately, could dismantle the online skill-gaming sector and endanger thousands of livelihoods.
Matter came up before Justice B M Shyam Prasad
The matter came up before Justice B M Shyam Prasad, who granted time for the Centre to submit its position while permitting the petitioners to press for interim relief. Senior advocates for the petitioners pointed out that although the Act had obtained Presidential assent, the government had not issued its notification. They maintained that sudden implementation would severely affect ongoing operations in an industry that employs over two lakh people and attracts significant investment.
On behalf of the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that this was the first instance where judicial review was being sought over a law with wide-ranging economic and cross-border implications. He maintained that once Parliament enacts a law and it receives Presidential assent, notification follows as part of the constitutional process.
The court has now adjourned proceedings, directing the Union to place its reply alongside the petitioners’ submissions seeking an interim stay. The plea contends that the Act was introduced without prior consultation and is inconsistent with earlier policy measures encouraging the gaming sector. It also argues that the law infringes multiple constitutional rights and imposes a disproportionate blanket ban.
