
‘Karnataka HC verdict will boost fantasy sports industry in India’
The Hindu
The Karnataka High Court ruling on striking down certain provisions of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021 has been welcomed by those in the online gaming business and enthusiasts
The Karnataka High Court ruling on striking down certain provisions of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021, which prohibited and criminalised the activities of offering and playing online games, has been welcomed by those in the online gaming business and enthusiasts.
The country is the biggest market for fantasy sports globally, with over 13 crore users playing across over 200 platforms.
Bimal Julka, chairman, Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), said, “The verdict is welcome news for all the sports fans in India. This judgement follows other positive judgements given by High Courts in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Mumbai that recognised fantasy sports as games of skill and a legitimate business activity protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.’‘

Former CM B.S. Yediyurappa had challenged the first information report registered on March 14, 2024, on the alleged incident that occurred on February 2, 2024, the chargesheet filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the February 28, 2025, order of taking cognisance of offences afresh by the trial court.