The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the case challenging the Ministry of Electronics and IT's (MeitY) blocking order against the anti-gambling-addiction app Gamban for September 30, 2026. The app’s website has been inaccessible in India for over three years, but the court declined Gamban’s request for an earlier hearing in August, questioning the urgency of the matter after such a long period.
During the first hearing, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma expressed frustration over the delay, stating that three years had already passed and asked why there was urgency now. The court urged MeitY to provide a timeline for their response and suggested the Ministry hold a personal meeting with Gamban to explain the rationale behind the blocking order. MeitY’s counsel requested additional time to submit their response after obtaining instructions, which the court accepted.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory authorities and digital platforms addressing gambling addiction in India. Gamban’s petition challenges the legality and transparency of the blocking order issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The court’s insistence on a personal hearing indicates a push for clearer communication and justification from MeitY, reflecting broader concerns about digital censorship and due process in regulatory actions.
The Delhi High Court’s next hearing is set for September 30, 2026, when MeitY is expected to present its response and clarify its position on the blocking order against Gamban, according to medianama.com.