The case, listed before the Chief Justice’s Bench, has been filed by the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change and advocate Shaurya Tiwari. The petition contends that online betting and fantasy sports have transformed what was once a festive pastime into a source of addiction, financial distress, and cybercrime.
According to the plea, nearly 65 crore Indians are active on online gaming platforms, most of which involve real-money transactions. The estimated annual turnover of this industry exceeds ₹1.8 lakh crore.
Citing Law Commission Report and Cultural References
The petition refers to the Law Commission’s 276th Report, which noted that if gambling had been regulated during the time of the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira would not have gambled away his wife and brothers. The plea argues that this is not merely a mythological anecdote but a cultural warning against the dangers of unchecked gambling.
Quoting IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement in Parliament, the petition asserts that “online money games have become a bigger threat than drugs.” It claims that these gaming apps use manipulative algorithms designed to ensure players lose most of the time.
Key Allegations in the Petition
- Encroachment on State Powers: Gambling is a state subject under the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule. The petition alleges that the Centre’s new law infringes upon states’ jurisdiction and effectively legitimizes betting rather than regulating it.
- Tax Evasion and Security Risks: The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has reportedly detected tax evasion worth ₹81,875 crore involving online gaming firms. Around 642 offshore companies are said to be operating gambling services in India via foreign servers, posing national security concerns.
- Celebrities Promoting Harmful Apps: The plea criticizes film stars and cricketers for endorsing online gaming apps that attract minors. It cites actor Akshay Kumar’s statement that his 13-year-old daughter faced harassment during an online game.
- Health Concerns: Referring to a WHO report, the petition notes that “online gaming disorder” has now been recognized as a mental health condition.
Call for Indigenous and Educational Gaming
The petition also urges the government to promote educational and culturally rooted games in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). It argues that India’s traditional sporting culture emphasized cooperation rather than cutthroat competition — a spirit that should guide the development of modern gaming platforms.
.jpg)
.jpg)
1.jpg)
.jpg)
