The Supreme Court adjourned the much-anticipated hearing on the controversial 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on gaming industry.
The Indian government, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N. Venkatraman, sought an adjournment due to a scheduling conflict with another key taxation matter.
The case, which has an estimated financial impact of ₹2.5 lakh crore, is being closely watched by the gaming industry, policymakers, and investors alike. Senior counsel Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Gameskraft, urged the Court to list the matter for hearing by the end of March or in April.
However, the bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, appeared inclined to take up the case in the coming days.
Read More: New Financial Year 2025-26: Key Tax Changes Effective April 1, 2025
Industry Challenges Government’s Interpretation of Rule 31A
Gaming companies are mounting a strong defense against what they consider an unjustified and industry-crippling tax burden. The primary point of contention revolves around the government’s interpretation of Rule 31A of the CGST Rules, which mandates a 28% GST on the face value of bets. The industry argues that this provision applies solely to gambling and betting, whereas online skill-based games like poker, rummy, and fantasy sports should not be classified under the same category.
The gaming sector has long maintained that the distinction between games of skill and gambling has been well established in Indian jurisprudence. Numerous High Court rulings over the past decades have reaffirmed that games requiring skill do not fall under the ambit of betting or gambling, a view that the government is now contesting in court.
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