The Mumbai High Court is currently hearing a case concerning online gaming. The court has directed online gaming platforms to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on platforms such as Junglee Rummy and Rummy Circle.
The court stated that the gaming platforms must explain within a week why the public interest litigation (PIL) cannot be sustained, and must also demonstrate that online rummy card games are games of skill, not chance.
The court also gave the petitioner, Ganesh Ranu Nanaware, one week to counter the affidavits submitted by the gaming platforms.
The hearing, presided over by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice MM Sathaye, saw senior lawyers Naushad Engineer, Venkatesh Dhond, Darius Khambata, and Parag Khandhar opposing the PIL and questioning its maintainability.
Nanaware claims that these gaming platforms have led many users to addiction and financial loss, with some tragically ending their own lives.
Representing Nanaware, lawyer Vijay Garad argued, "Young people playing rummy card games through these apps not only lose money but also end up committing suicide."
According to the complaint, these platforms violate several laws, including the Public Gambling Act of 1867, the Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act of 1887, and the Information Technology Act of 2000.
The defense argued that these platforms violate the Indian Penal Code by promoting gambling, which is classified as a game of chance and is illegal in many parts of India. The defense also added that information received under the Right to Information Act confirms that state governments have not authorized such online gambling activities.
Nanaware claims that endorsements by celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar and Shahrukh Khan have fueled the popularity of these platforms and caused social harm. A legal notice was sent to the service provider of these apps, Google India Pvt. Ltd., demanding they stop hosting these apps, but no response was received. Nanaware argues that this has allowed Junglee Rummy and Rummy Circle to continue operations.
In his request, Nanaware seeks a government ban on these apps and to prevent Google India from providing server support.
He also filed an interim application seeking action against celebrities endorsing the game, such as Sachin Tendulkar and Shahrukh Khan.
However, today the ruling was withdrawn as the court felt it might undermine the legal focus on whether online rummy card game applications are games of skill or chance.
