The Bombay High Court on Wednesday sought the Maharashtra government's response to a petition calling for a ban on online gaming platforms - Junglee Rummy and Rummy Circle [Ganesh Ranu Nanaware v. State of Maharashtra and Ors].
A Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice MM Sathaye was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by Ganesh Ranu Nanaware, a social worker from Solapur, who contended that these platforms were causing significant social harm, particularly among youth.
The Court directed both the State and the gaming apps to submit a brief affidavit addressing the maintainability of the case and clarifying why online rummy is considered a game of skill rather than a game of chance.
“As prayed, let a short affidavit be filed by the respondents within a week raising the issue of maintainability and also stating as to how online rummy is a game of skill and not a game of chance,” the Bench stated.
Nanaware's PIL claimed that the two apps have led to addiction and financial losses for many users, some of whom have tragically taken their own lives.
"Youngsters are losing their money by playing rummy through these apps, and they are doing suicides," the petitioner submitted.
As per the plea, the apps 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.
It was also contended that the platforms infringe upon the Indian Penal Code by promoting gambling, which is classified as a game of chance and is illegal in many regions of India.
A response from the Maharashtra government under the Right to Information Act confirmed that no permissions had been granted for such online gambling activities.
Nanaware also emphasised the role of celebrity endorsements in promoting these apps, noting that figures like Sachin Tendulkar and Shah Rukh Khan have contributed to their popularity and the resulting social damage.
Legal notices sent to Google India Pvt. Ltd., the service provider for these apps, requesting that they cease hosting the apps, went unanswered.
This has allowed the operations of Junglee Rummy and Rummy Circle to continue, he contended.
In his plea, Nanaware has sought directions to the State to ban these apps and prevent Google India from providing server support.
He had also filed an interim application seeking impleadment of celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar and Shah Rukh Khan who had endorsed the game.
This was, however, withdrawn today after the court observed that this could dilute the legal focus on whether online rummy applications are games of skill or chance.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 16.
Advocate Vijay R Garad appeared for Ganesh Ranu Nanaware.
Additional Public Prosecutor Ajay S Patil represented the State.
Senior Advocate Naushad Engineer with advocates Yohaann Limathwala, Fatema Kachwalla, Dheeraj Nair, Vishrutji Saini and Aditi Deshpande of J Sagar Associates appeared on behalf of Google India Ltd.
Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond with advocates Akhil Anand and Sumit Tiwari appeared for Junglee Rummy.
Senior Advocate Darius Khambata with advocates Himanshu Vij, Sumit Tiwari represented Rummy Circle.
Advocates Parag Khandhar abd Anaheeta Verma on behalf of DSK Legal appeared for Shah Rukh Khan.
[Read Order]