On Monday, 8 September 2025, a Supreme Court Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan permitted the Central government's petition to transfer all ongoing challenges against the constitutional validity of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, from multiple High Courts to the Supreme Court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, stressed that consolidating the petitions pending in Karnataka, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts would save valuable time and ensure uniformity. Senior Advocate C Aryama Sundaram, on behalf of the petitioners, including gaming companies like Head Digital, welcomed the transfer, expressing hope for a final resolution.

The new Act, took effect on August 22, marks India's first nationwide law banning online games played for stakes, criminalizing participation regardless of whether a game involves skill or chance.

Having been swiftly passed by both Houses of Parliament and having received Presidential assent, the Act represents a major shift from previously State-governed regulations.

The law has been contested in several High Courts over alleged violations of fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 19(1)(g). The Supreme Court ordered the immediate digital transfer of records from the concerned High Courts within one week to expedite the process and facilitate early hearing, consolidating the legal battles under its jurisdiction.

Case Details: UNION OF INDIA v HEAD DIGITAL WORKS PRIVATE LIMITED AND ANR|T.P.(C) No. 2484-2486/2025