The Supreme Court directed that no coercive steps be taken against an online fantasy gaming company facing a substantial tax demand, as it took note of pending proceedings on similar issues and deferred further hearing until a related judgment is delivered.
The interim protection was granted in a writ petition filed by Fanmade11 Fantasy Sports Private Limited, which has challenged the levy and recovery proceedings initiated against it by tax authorities. The company has questioned the legality of the tax demand arising from its online fantasy sports operations.
The matter was heard by a three-judge Bench comprising the Chief Justice of India, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi. During the hearing, the Court was informed that similar issues are already under consideration in a batch of connected matters, including SLP (C) Nos. 19366–19369 of 2023, in which judgment had been reserved on August 12, 2025, by a two-judge Bench.
Taking note of this development, the Court ordered that the present writ petitions be listed after the pronouncement of judgment in the pending special leave petitions.
In the interim, the apex court directed that “no coercive action shall be taken” against the petitioner company. The order effectively restrains the authorities from initiating recovery proceedings, attachment, or other enforcement measures pursuant to the impugned tax demand until further orders.
The company had sought ex-parte ad-interim relief, arguing that immediate enforcement of the tax demand would cause irreparable harm to its operations. While the Court did not enter into the merits of the dispute at this stage, it granted protective relief in view of the broader legal questions awaiting adjudication.
Case Details
Case Title: Fanmade11 Fantasy Sports Private Limited Versus UOI
Case No.: Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s).153/2026
Date: 16-02-2026
Counsel For Petitioner: Lalitendra Gulani, Adv.
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