GUWAHATI: Online gaming platforms have questioned the Tamil Nadu government's decision to impose restrictions on online rummy while allowing other late-night activities, arguing that such regulations were arbitrary.
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Related to the case, the Madras High Court was hearing a batch of petitions on Thursday, March 27, challenging various provisions of the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations, 2025.
A bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and K Rajasekar heard arguments from gaming companies, who opposed the mandatory linking of Aadhaar for the "Know Your Customer" (KYC) process and the restriction that prevents users from logging into gaming accounts between 12 AM and 5 AM, termed "blank hours."
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the petitioners, questioned why such restrictions were applied only to online rummy while ignoring other activities. He argued that late-night movies, Netflix streaming, or food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato were not subjected to similar bans. "Can the State act like a grandfather and regulate everything people do at night?" he asked.
Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya also argued that other online games, such as Candy Crush and PUBG, were more addictive, yet no restrictions were imposed on them. "Today, I cannot play rummy, but I can play Candy Crush at late hours. Actually, the most addictive things are short videos and reels. They are not prohibited, but my game is," he contended.
Poovayya further challenged the requirement for Aadhaar in the KYC process as well, stating that the Supreme Court had upheld the Aadhaar Act only for identifying beneficiaries of subsidies linked to the consolidated fund of India. "By mandating Aadhaar for gaming platforms, the State is not taking the least intrusive method," he said.
The court, in its response, remarked that despite increased surveillance through digital platforms like DigiYatra, crime had not decreased. To this, Poovayya responded in a lighter vein, "State is smart, criminals are smarter! Law-abiding citizens like me are the victims!"
The matter has been listed for further hearing on Friday, March 28.