Supreme Court Refuses To Rule On Online Rummy, to Pass Judgement on Live Rummy Soon

The Mahalakshmi Cultural Association “Rummy for Stakes” case faced a unique situation on Thursday, Aug 13, when the new two-judge bench refused to rule on the legality of online rummy in India. The court comprising of Justices Madan Lokur and SA Bobde declared that the online operators in this case, Head Infotech, Play Games 24×7, Junglee Games were not parties to the appeal, which had risen from the Madras High Court judgement and thus, they declined to rule. The news released by Jay Sayta on Glaws.in stated that the Court did, however state that it would pass a ruling within the next few weeks on the legal issue of live rummy.

This outcome has arrived as a terrible anti-climax for the gaming industry, which has spent 3 long years fighting for its rights. The popular sentiment is one of disappointment that the Court have passed this ruling a long time ago.

The refusal of the Court in lieu to the legality of online rummy will not affect the operators, but it certainly leaves the door open for debate.

A positive ruling in favor of live rummy will on the other hand, will strengthen the stand for such gaming and have a great impact on the gaming industry. The only argument remaining will be whether there lie differences in the amount of skill required to play online or live.

The complete and detailed order by the Court is yet not available and actual impact would be known only after these were revealed.