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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
4 held for sexually assaulting woman, girl on moving bus after social media alert in UP's Agra
Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.
Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.
Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.
The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.
