On Friday, the Madras High Court heard a series of petitions challenging the restrictions imposed by the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) on online gaming platforms. A Division Bench, comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and K. Rajasekar, scheduled the matter for a final hearing for RMG Regulations Case on March 27, 2025.
Key Developments in the RMG Regulations Case
1. Senior Counsel’s Request for Extension
During the proceedings, Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi, representing Play Games 24×7 and other rummy companies, informed the court that they had only received the state government’s counter-affidavit on the day of the hearing. Rohatgi requested more time to file a rejoinder and proposed holding the final hearing on March 27, 2025.
Rohatgi also sought interim relief to prevent any coercive action against the gaming platforms and requested an extension of the compliance deadline set by TNOGA for March 26, 2025.
2. Court’s Response
The court set the final hearing for March 27, 2025, but emphasized that it had already denied interim relief at the admission stage and would not grant it at this time. The court also allowed the Union of India and other parties who had not submitted counter-affidavits to do so before the next hearing. Petitioners were granted permission to file rejoinders in response to the counter-affidavits.
WinZO Games’ Plea Denied
WinZO Games sought to be impleaded in the case, requesting to be included as a party to the proceedings. However, the court denied the request but allowed WinZO the liberty to file a separate writ petition if necessary in the future.
Petitions Against Tamil Nadu’s Online Gaming Regulations
The petitioners have raised constitutional concerns regarding the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. They specifically contest the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations (RMG), 2025. They argue that the regulations should be deemed unconstitutional.
Regulations Under Challenge
The petitioners have focused on Regulations 4(iii) and 4(viii), as well as other provisions related to RMG Regulations Case:
- Aadhaar-based verification for real money games (RMG).
- A ban on gameplay between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m..
- Mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
- Spending limits per player.
- Pop-up warnings about gaming addiction.
- A ban on minors from participating in online gaming.
The petitioners are seeking clarification on these regulations and argue that they infringe upon constitutional rights.
Compliance Deadline and Extension Request
The Tamil Nadu government had initially set a March 26, 2025 deadline for implementing the TNOGA Real Money Games Regulations, 2025. Several gaming federations have requested an extension to this deadline, citing the limited time available for compliance.
Regulations Now in Effect
On February 12, 2025, Md. Nasimuddin, Chairperson of TNOGA, confirmed that the Real Money Games Regulations, 2025 had been officially notified through the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette (Notification No. 6). These regulations became effective immediately upon publication.
Looking Ahead In RMG Regulations Case
The final hearing on March 27, 2025 will be crucial in determining the fate of Tamil Nadu’s online gaming regulations. The decision could impact the gaming industry. It may also set a precedent for how online gaming and gambling will be regulated in the future.
As the hearing date approaches, all eyes will be on the court. The resolution of the significant issue in the RMG Regulations Case in the online gaming sector is eagerly awaited.
Conclusion
The Madras High Court’s final hearing on March 27, 2025 will have significant implications for the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Regulations. The outcome of the case will determine whether these controversial restrictions remain in place or are amended. It’s a critical moment for the gaming industry in TamilNadu, with the potential to reshape the regulatory landscape.
Source: The Indian Express
