The Supreme Court issued notice on a public interest litigation filed by a Non-Governmental Organization seeking comprehensive measures to curb online gambling and betting activities allegedly operating under the guise of social and e-sports games. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeks directions to harmonize central and state laws to effectively prohibit such unlawful activities.
The petitioner has sought a writ of mandamus directing the Union of India and other authorities to ensure the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 in a manner that prevents online betting platforms from exploiting regulatory loopholes. The plea also urges the Centre to invoke Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 to block all illegal betting and gambling websites operating in India.
Among other prayers, the petitioner requested that the Reserve Bank of India, NPCI, and UPI platforms be directed not to permit transactions with online money gaming applications that are not registered in India. It further sought the nationwide adoption of stringent provisions similar to those under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gaming Act, 2022 and the application of measures akin to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 to combat organized online gaming operations.
The plea also calls for the enforcement of the IT (Intermediary) Rules, 2021, urging app stores to whitelist only duly licensed gaming platforms, and for the recovery of GST and income tax from offshore gaming companies through coordination with agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and CBI, with assistance from Interpol. Additionally, the petitioner sought directions to protect children’s data already collected by online gaming companies.
During the hearing, the Bench recorded the submission of Mr. V.C. Bharathi, counsel for the respondents, who informed the Court that the reliefs sought were largely covered under the new legislation on online gaming, which is yet to come into force. The petitioner, however, contended that over 2,000 applications currently operate illegally, posing serious risks to public interest, particularly affecting the youth.
Taking note of the submissions, the Apex Court issued notice to the respondents and directed them to file an appropriate reply.
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