Centre Notifies Online Gaming Rules Under PROG Act, 2025
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has notified rules under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, introducing a light-touch framework for digital gaming while banning real-money games.
A new regulator, the Online Gaming Authority of India, will determine whether games involve monetary stakes and oversee compliance.
Non-real-money games may operate without registration, while e-sports must be registered. The rules also empower banks to suspend transactions linked to prohibited games.
The framework mandates user protection measures, grievance redressal systems, and data localisation, aiming to balance innovation with regulatory oversight.
Delhi HC Grants Amazon Relief in ‘Drishyam 3’ OTT Rights Dispute
The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Amazon Prime Video, restraining Aashirvad Cinemas from creating third-party OTT rights for Drishyam 3.
Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar held that Amazon had established a prima facie case under a 2020 licensing agreement, including a right to match competing offers.
The Court observed that allowing third-party rights could cause irreparable harm and disrupt arbitration proceedings. Accordingly, an ex parte ad interim injunction was granted covering all versions and remakes.
The matter is pending further hearing.
Centre Advises ZEE5 to Halt Release of ‘Lawrence of Punjab’ Amid Public Order Concerns
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 to refrain from releasing a web series based on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing risks to public order.
The advisory, placed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, noted concerns raised by Punjab Police that the series could incite violence and glorify criminal activity.
A PIL filed by Amarinder Singh Raja Warring seeks a stay on the release, arguing it may influence youth and promote criminal conduct.
The matter remains under judicial consideration.
Supreme Court Declines Interference in Royalty Contempt Dispute
The Supreme Court of India has refused to interfere with a ruling of the Madras High Court holding that contempt proceedings cannot be used to enforce payment of unquantified music royalties.
A Bench of Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma dismissed petitions filed by the South Indian Music Companies Association.
The Court affirmed that non-payment of an unascertained amount does not constitute wilful disobedience.
It clarified that parties must seek quantification and enforcement through execution under the Copyright Act, 1957 rather than contempt proceedings.
IBDF Backs New TV Rating Norms, Seeks More Time for Implementation
The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation has supported revised television rating guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, while seeking extended timelines for compliance.
The body raised concerns over tight deadlines for reforms at the Broadcast Audience Research Council, including board restructuring and expansion of audience measurement panels. It proposed a six-month window for appointing independent directors and a phased approach to increasing metered homes.
IBDF also highlighted challenges in implementing cross-screen measurement due to limited data sharing by global platforms.
The guidelines aim to modernise audience measurement amid India’s shift toward digital content consumption.
Karnataka HC Accepts Ranveer Singh’s Apology in Kantara Mimicry Row
The Karnataka High Court has accepted an undertaking by Ranveer Singh to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru and tender an apology over the “Kantara” mimicry controversy.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna recorded the actor’s unconditional apology affidavit and indicated that a formal order would follow. The dispute arose after alleged remarks at the International Film Festival of India triggered complaints of hurting religious sentiments.
The Court emphasised that freedom of expression does not justify insensitive remarks about faith, while noting the matter has been amicably settled between parties.
Bombay HC Sets Aside Patent Refusal, Calls for Reasoned Order in Atomic Energy Case
The Bombay High Court has set aside an unreasoned refusal of a patent application filed by Huntington Alloys Corporation, holding that even where refusal powers are absolute, reasons are mandatory.
The Court ruled that the Department of Atomic Energy’s one-line rejection under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 was unsustainable, as it deprived the applicant of judicial review and the right to amend under the Patents Act, 1970.
The matter was remanded for fresh consideration.
The ruling gains significance after the SHANTI Act, 2025, which now permits patents for peaceful nuclear energy inventions.
Sanjay Dutt Appears Before NCW, Apologises in ‘Sarke Chunar’ Controversy
Actor Sanjay Dutt appeared before the National Commission for Women in connection with the controversy over the song Sarke Chunar Teri from KD: The Devil, submitting a written apology for any unintended harm.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar raised concerns over alleged vulgarity and objectification of women, stressing accountability of public figures.
As a corrective measure, Dutt committed to sponsoring education of 50 tribal girls and incorporating legal due diligence clauses in future projects.
Other contributors have also apologised, while actor Nora Fatehi has sought a fresh hearing date.