The hearing of the plea by by gaming company Head Digital Works–which operates 'A23 Rummy' has been adjourned to 8 September.
Published Aug 30, 2025 | 12:34 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 30, 2025 | 12:34 PM
The Karnataka High Court. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: The Karnataka High Court adjourned to 8 September a plea by Head Digital Works challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans online money games and related services. The court asked the Union to respond before the next hearing. The Act imposes strict penalties and aims to regulate gaming while promoting e-sports and educational games.
The High Court of Karnataka on Saturday, 30 August, adjourned the hearing on plea challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 which seeks to prohibit ‘online money games’ and offering of bank services, advertisements related thereto.
The hearing of the plea by by gaming company Head Digital Works–which operates ‘A23 Rummy’ has been adjourned to 8 September.
Senior Advocate C Aryana Sundaram for the petitioner – “It is my concern if this industry has closed overnight there will be a serious backlash. Let them file their reply and let them not notify the Act till we are heard. Or give a weeks notice before notifying the Act so that we can come to court.”
High Court issued notice to Union of India, and noted, “We are calling the matter on 8 September and Union will complete pleading if not the petition at least in respect of interim order sought.”
The order read, “Union is called upon to accept notice. CS Sundaram leads for petitioners. SG Tushar Metha for respondent. This court opines that Union must complete their pleading before the next date of hearing at least in regard to interim order sought.”
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, aims to ban all online games involving gambling, betting or other financial transactions.
According to the government, the legislation apart from aiming to regulate the online gaming sector, also intends to promote e-sports, educational games and social gaming, with the appointment of an authority for coordinated policy support and strategic development, and regulatory oversight of the sector.
It will prohibit the offering, operation, facilitation, advertisement, promotion and participation in online money games, particularly where such activities operate across state borders or from foreign jurisdictions.
The act further says violations will attract stringent penalties: Up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₹1 crore for offering money gaming services, two years or a ₹50 lakh fine for advertising them, and similar punishments for financial facilitation.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
