Recently, a Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Bombay High Court, seeking a prohibition on the online game of ‘Rummy’ within the jurisdiction of Maharashtra. The petitioner asserts that Rummy constitutes a game of chance, which is tantamount to gambling. The petition specifically identifies applications such as Jungle Rummy and Rummy Circle as engaging in online gambling, in violation of the Public Gambling Act, of 1867, the Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887, and the Bombay Wager Act.
The petitioner seeks a directive from the State to impose a ban on the aforementioned online games and to require Google to withdraw its support for the aforementioned gambling platforms. It is contended in the petition that a substantial number of individuals have developed addictions to these gambling applications, which pose a considerable threat to public welfare. The petitioner further alleges that the endorsement of these apps by various celebrities contributes to the addiction of their fans, leading to financial losses and, in some tragic instances, suicide.
During the hearing, the respondent contended that the PIL is not maintainable and requested the Court to adjudicate the issue of maintainability prior to issuing any notices. They argued that numerous other High Courts have held that Rummy is a game of skill rather than a game of chance.
A Division Bench of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhayay and Justice M.M. Sathaye presided over the matter. The court directed the respondent including the State, Google, Junglee Rummy, and Rummy Circle to file affidavits on how online Rummy qualifies as a game of skill, not chance. The Court remarked, “Let a short affidavit be filed by the respondents on the issue of maintainability and also stating as to how online Rummy is a game of skill and not a game of chance.
Additionally, the petitioner filed Interim Applications seeking to implead Sachin Tendulkar and other celebrities associated with the promotion of Rummy. Upon reviewing the IA, the Chief Justice commented, “What is all this? Don’t dilute the petition. Instead of espousing the cause, you are giving a dent to it… Why have you moved the application? To get your name published in the newspaper? That you impleaded Sachin Tendulkar? Let there be a debate whether Rummy is a game of skill or game of chance, let that issue be debated”. Subsequently, the petitioner opted to withdraw the Interim Application, which the Court permitted, stating, “IA is withdrawn as not pressed”.