The Supreme Court on Monday transferred to itself all petitions pending in various High Courts that challenge the constitutional validity of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The Act, passed during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, bans all forms of real-money online games in India while regulating and promoting social, educational, and esports games.

A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan allowed the Union government’s transfer plea, seeking to consolidate the cases being heard in the Delhi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts. The bench directed these High Courts to transfer the complete case records, along with all interlocutory applications, within a week.

Once the records are received, the registry will list the matter before the apex court. The bench also clarified that parties may file writ petitions with the registry along with full records if they wish.

The move comes after Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai agreed to urgently list the Centre’s transfer petition last week. The Centre had highlighted that the Karnataka High Court was about to pass interim orders in one of the pending cases.

Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had sought the government’s response to pleas claiming the Act violates fundamental rights by imposing a blanket ban on money-based online games, including skill-based ones. Similarly, the Karnataka High Court had asked for a response in a petition filed by Head Digital, while an online carrom platform had moved the Delhi High Court against the ban.

Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which was swiftly passed by both Houses of Parliament and later received Presidential assent. The law prescribes heavy penalties for violators, including fines up to ₹1 crore and imprisonment of up to three years for offering banned online money games. Additionally, promoting or advertising such platforms may lead to fines of ₹50 lakh and a two-year jail term.

Following the enforcement of the Act, several major platforms such as Dream11, PokerBazi, and Rummy Circle suspended their real-money gaming services.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the legislation, stating it would safeguard society from the harmful effects of online gambling and money games. Notably, the Bill was passed in record time—cleared by the Lok Sabha in just seven minutes and the Rajya Sabha in 26 minutes.