Delhi High Court Directs Centre To Decide Representation For Regulation Of Online Games

The Delhi High Court today directed the Central Government to decide a representation made to it for formulation of a policy for protection of children from "online gaming addiction" as well as constitution of a regulatory body to monitor gaming content, including both online and offline gaming.

A Division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh stated that the concerned authority may decide the representation in accordance with the law, rules, regulations and Government policies applicable to the subject matter.

The development comes on a PIL filed by NGO Distress Management Collective through Advocates Robin Raju and Deepa Joseph, concerned by the ill-effects of online games.

"Youngsters are suffering from addiction. These games are so intense that it's leading to suicide, criminal inclinations. Thus, we need to take this issue seriously. The Government does not have any policy to tackle the situation. I urge that a Regulatory Body be constituted," Raju argued before the Bench.

He added,

"These games are also a source of cyber bullying, sexual and financial harassment."

He relied on recent orders of the Madras High Court, expressing concern over online games, especially online gambling.

'Precious Lives Have Been Lost': Madras High Court Calls For Law To Regulate Online Gambling

Further, he informed the Bench that countries like China, where most of the game developers are based, have also issued stringent directions to regulate the field.

"Many violent games are affecting the psyche of children. Parents are also unable to control their children; because of online classes they have to give the phone/ gadgets to the children," Raju insisted.

At this juncture, the Bench asked if a representation in this regard has been made to the concerned authority. On being told that the Petitioners have submitted a representation only on July 10, the Bench remarked,

"You've not waited for even one month and immediately rushed to the Court?"

Accordingly, the matter was disposed with a direction to the concerned authority to decide the representation.

Case Title: Distress Management Collective v. UOI & Anr.