Centre seeks Supreme Court transfer of online gaming law challenges
New Delhi: The Central government has moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of three petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, currently pending before the High Courts of Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. The matter was mentioned before CJI BR Gavai, who agreed to list the case next week.
The government argues that all three petitions raise similar constitutional questions regarding the legality of the Act, and that separate proceedings could lead to inconsistent rulings. It has also sought a stay on the High Court cases to avoid delay and ensure uniformity in judicial decisions.
The Act, passed immediately in August 2025, prohibits real money online games, including games of skill like fantasy sports and online carrom, and makes violations cognisable and non-bailable. It has been challenged on the grounds that it violates Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution, and intrudes upon the states' legislative domain.
Petitions have been filed by online gaming platforms and companies, including Head Digital, across various High Courts. The Supreme Court’s decision on the transfer plea will determine whether the constitutional validity of the law will be heard centrally.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
