The ongoing battle between Tamil Nadu Govt and online gaming firms nears its end as both parties have finalized their submissions in the Madras High Court. The issue was ongoing since April when online gaming firms started filing petitions against the state government.

Court noted the submission of Learned Advocate General that state government has filed its written submissions. It also noted that all other parties have also already filed their written submissions. Oral arguments were already concluded on the last date, as per News18 Tamil.

During the most recent hearing, the judge adjourned the court after the state and the online gaming companies submitted their final arguments. Since, the hearings have been concluded, final verdict is now expected within a couple of months.

All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), in April, announced their intention of taking legal actions against the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Bill and did so in the same month.

AIGF on behalf of its members that were restricted to operate in Tamil Nadu claimed that banning skill games like poker and rummy was inappropriate. Notably, as per Supreme Court and other previous judgements, games of skill are legitimate activities.

The matter stretched until recently and was also joined by Junglee Rummy, A23 and Games24x7 with same issues as AIGF. The companies claimed that the state needs to justify the ban on skill games and that the state has no authority to do so.

Tamil Nadu government contested that they had full authority for the decision, and it was taken after keeping the well-being of people in mind. Prior to the law banning online gaming in the state, several suicide cases were reported due to losing money on these online games.

The decision to ban online gaming in the state was taken after proper deliberation and its legislation was formed by retired Justice K Chandru-led committee.