The Delhi High Court has indeed made a significant observation regarding the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. According to recent reports, the court emphasized that the law cannot be enforced until the regulatory authority is constituted and rules are framed under the Act.
This was stated by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Central Government before a bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
Mehta explained that although the President has signed the Act, it hasn’t officially come into force yet. Once the government issues a formal notification, it will begin forming the authority and drafting the rules.
The judges pointed out that the law hasn’t officially taken effect yet, so the fears of petitioners are premature. They said the government is expected to establish the authority and create rules, and that it’s too early to assume otherwise. Mehta assured the court that the government supports online gaming but intends to regulate money-based games due to issues such as addiction and mental health concerns.
Key Points:
Centre’s Assurance: The Central Government assured the Delhi High Court that it will soon establish a regulatory authority and frame rules under the Act.
Implementation Status: The Act hasn’t officially come into force yet, and the government is expected to issue a formal notification to initiate its implementation.
Petitioner’s Concerns: A company operating an online carrom e-sports platform challenged the Act’s constitutional validity, citing concerns over vague provisions and potential harm to their business.
Court’s Observation: The bench noted that the petitioners’ fears are premature since the law hasn’t taken effect yet, and the government is expected to establish the authority and create rules.
The petition contends that the Act imposes a blanket ban on all forms of online money games, without distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act aims to create a structured and secure legal framework for the online gaming sector in India. The Act prohibits online money games and associated activities, and its implementation will likely have significant implications for the industry
