Calcutta High Court Seeks Response from Centre on Petition Against Online Gaming Bill

The Calcutta High Court is hearing a petition that opposes the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Act-2025. The court has asked the central government to submit a response. The petitioner argues that the Act could destroy the livelihoods of numerous individuals. Justice BM Shyam Prasad is overseeing the case and has given the government time to prepare its reply. The petitioners are also allowed to elaborate on their arguments to try and stop the Act from being put into action while the legal process continues. A senior lawyer for the petitioners explained that although the President has approved the Act, it has not yet been officially announced. It was argued that the instant implementation of the Act could be very damaging to the industry. The petitioner’s lawyer added that the sudden shutdown of the industry would lead to serious consequences. They suggested the government should pause the notification until their concerns are addressed or, at the very least, give a week’s notice before enforcing the law so they have a chance to go to court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, stated that it is unusual for a court to assess the validity of a law like this due to its reach across borders. He stated that once a law is passed by Parliament and given Presidential approval, the official notification is a standard constitutional step. Mehta argued that the courts should not interfere at this time. He stated that the fact that someone feels wronged does not mean that the government must provide notice before notifying the law. The court asked the central government whether it intends to immediately notify the law. Mehta replied that he would inform the court after receiving instructions from the government. The court then adjourned the hearing, instructing the central government to file its response, along with the arguments presented by the petitioners who are requesting temporary relief.