Supreme Court of India to hear pleas on nationwide online gaming ban on November 26 | Yogonet International
Summary
The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to file a comprehensive reply to petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA), the new central law that outlaws real-money online gaming. The bench asked the government to address all substantive issues raised by petitioners and to share its detailed response with them before the next hearing on 26 November 2025. Petitioners say the law has paralysed India’s multi-billion-rupee online gaming sector and may unlawfully ban games previously recognised as skill-based. Several companies report closures even though the Act has not yet been formally notified. A separate public interest litigation alleging thousands of dubious apps was also tagged to the case.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court ordered the Union to file a full, detailed reply to the main petitions challenging PROGA.
- Next hearing set for 26 November 2025.
- PROGA (passed August 2025) bans real-money online games including fantasy sports and e-sports; violations are cognisable and non-bailable.
- Petitioners argue the Act imposes a blanket ban that may violate Article 19(1)(g) — the right to carry on a lawful trade — and ignores precedents on skill-based games.
- Industry reports show business shutdowns, potential job losses and investor flight; some firms closed for more than a month despite the law awaiting notification.
- Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan heard the matter; the Centre had only filed a preliminary response until asked for a comprehensive reply.
- A separate PIL claiming over 2,000 gambling/disguised apps are active in India was consolidated with the broader challenge to PROGA.
Author style
Punchy: This isn’t dry legal copy — it could determine whether India’s massive online gaming market keeps running or stalls. If you’re involved in iGaming, regulation or investment here, this is a headline you need to follow.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads-up: if you run, fund, supply or play on online gaming platforms in India, this matters. The Supreme Court’s handling of PROGA could reopen or shut down entire business models, cost jobs and shift investor sentiment. We’ve done the reading so you don’t have to — key facts and the next hearing date in one place.
Context and relevance
The case tests the central government’s power to impose a nationwide ban on real-money gaming and balances public-policy concerns with constitutional trade and profession rights. It raises pivotal questions about how courts distinguish skill from chance and whether a sweeping ban is proportionate. The outcome will influence operators, esports professionals, payment and affiliate ecosystems, and could set a regulatory precedent for other jurisdictions watching India’s large market.