The Supreme Court of India on 4 November 2025 directed the Union government to submit a comprehensive counter‑affidavit in a batch of petitions challenging the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan underscored that the government’s reply to the interim application was insufficient, stating:“We want the Additional Solicitor General appearing for the Union to file a comprehensive reply to the main petition itself.”
During arguments, senior advocate C.A. Sundaram, acting for several petitioners, highlighted business disruption:“This has national ramifications and my business is shut down.” 
Another petitioner informed the bench:“I (petitioner) am a chess player and its a source of livelihood. I was also about to launch an app.” 
Commenting on the case, Justice Pardiwala observed:“India is a strange country. You are a player. You want to play. It’s your only source of income and therefore, you want to join the proceedings.” 
The Act criminalises online games played for stakes by banning “online money games” and related banking services and advertising. The petitions argue that this blanket prohibition infringes Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution by restricting trade and profession even in formats recognised as skill‑based. 
The matter has been listed for further hearing on 26 November 2025 and will remain under scrutiny as the Court consolidates disparate challenges from multiple high courts. 
