New Delhi, November 3 - The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Union government on a public interest petition seeking an all-India crackdown on online gambling and betting apps allegedly operating under the garb of e-sports and social gaming. The bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, heard the plea filed by the NGO Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC).
Background
The petitioners, represented by advocate Virag Gupta, claimed that nearly two thousand online platforms are currently active in India, offering betting and gambling disguised as skill-based games. They contended that these activities have become a growing social menace, particularly affecting the youth, and demanded immediate regulatory intervention.
CASC urged the Court to direct the Centre to harmonize the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 with existing state laws and to adopt tougher provisions like those in Tamil Nadu’s 2022 legislation banning online gaming. The plea also sought action under Section 69A of the IT Act to block unlawful platforms and to prevent UPI transactions linked to such games.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, Justice Pardiwala remarked that the matter raises “serious concerns of public interest” and must be examined carefully. The bench also took note of the Centre’s submission through panel counsel V.C. Bharathi, who stated that a new central legislation addressing online gaming is already in place but has not yet come into force.
“The bench observed, ‘If the government has enacted a comprehensive law, the implementation becomes crucial. Until then, the illegal operations must not continue unchecked,’” a court observer noted after the hearing.
The petitioners also requested directions to ensure that only licensed apps appear on platforms like Google Play Store, in line with the IT (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2021, and urged authorities to recover unpaid GST and income tax from offshore operators through agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and CBI.
Decision
After hearing both sides briefly, the Court issued notice to the Union of India and other respondents, seeking their reply. The matter has been tagged with T.C.(C) No. 133/2025 for further consideration.
The bench concluded the short order stating, “Issue notice. Let an appropriate reply be filed.”
The case will now test how the upcoming online gaming law balances regulation, taxation, and the protection of young internet users.
Case Title: Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) & Anr. vs. Union of India & Ors.
Case Type: Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1008 of 2025
