THE KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT MOVED BEFORE THE TOP COURT CHALLENGING HIGH COURT'S ORDER REGARDING STRIKING DOWN THE PROHIBITED PLAYING GAMES OF SKILLS INCLUDING ONLINE GAMES

The HC on February 14 struck down a few provisions that prohibited online gaming activities under the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021. The bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Krishna Dixit said that the order shall be interpreted to prevent the enactment of legislation as per the constitution. 

The Government in its appeal argued that the HC failed to notice that the Amendment Act was necessary to maintain public order with regard to cybercrime as it has reached epic proportions with 28,000 registered cases, across the State within the last 3 months. The Government further argued that the court has struck down provisions but in no way prohibited or tried to control such a game. The Act banned wagering or betting, including virtual currency and electronic transfer of funds in connection with the games of chance. The maximum violation of the provisions attracted imprisonment of 3 years and a penalty of up to 1 lakh.