The Supreme Court of India has agreed to begin the final hearing of petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which came into effect on May 1 and introduced a nationwide ban on online real-money games.
The wider legal challenge, led by Dr. K A Paul, questions whether the act’s prohibition on online real money games is constitutional, according to reports.
The petitioners argue that a blanket nationwide ban covering games of chance and skill-based games like poker could conflict with protections allowing people to conduct lawful business activities.
The court will also consider a public interest litigation from the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), which asks for directions requiring the central government to prevent online gambling platforms that are allegedly presenting their services as social gaming and esports.
