Chepauk Super Gillies' owner moves Madras High Court against TNOGA notice on online gaming ‘endorsement'
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh on Friday (June 28, 2025) took note of the submission of senior counsel P.R. Raman, representing Metronation Chennai Television Private Limited, that the TNOGA's notice insisting that Chepauk Super Gillies remove the endorsement had been issued on June 26, 2025, when the TNPL 2025, which began on June 5 and is expected to end on July 6, was at an advanced stage.
The judge directed TNOGA counsel B. Arvind Srevatsa to take notice on behalf of the authority and instruct it to keep all further action in abeyance till July 16. In an affidavit filed in support of its writ petition, Metronation, which also owns Thanthi TV, said the TNOGA had issued issued a show-cause notice on May 16, taking exception to an endorsement on the Chepauk Super Gillies' jersey.
In the notice, the TNOGA stated that the signage MELBAT found on the jersey amounts to indirectly promoting the betting/gambling website MELBET, and that this was in violation of Section 8 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. The authority had asked Metronation to respond as to why it should not be proceeded against for such a violation.
Metronation denies charge
Metronation responded to the notice on June 21, stoutly denying the charge of having promoted online gambling through its jersey branding. It told the authority that the logo displayed on the jersey was that of 'MELBAT LIVE,' a website engaged in sports news. The company asserted that the logo did not contain any language, imagery, or context that could be construed as promoting betting or gambling.
After considering the reply, the TNOGA sent a second notice to the company on June 26, observing that the explanation was unsustainable since Section 8 of the Act prohibits not only direct but also indirect advertisement of online gambling. Therefore, the authority gave a final opportunity to Metronation to remove the endorsement within 48 hours or face action under Section 16 of the Act.
Since Section 16 provides for the imposition of imprisonment for a term extending up to one year or fine, which could extend up to ₹5 lakh or both, for contravention of Section 8 of the Act, the media company had rushed to the court with a plea to quash the June 26 notice. It contended that the TNOGA had issued the notice without considering the Advertising Standards Council of India guidelines.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Sports Bill is now an Act after President nod
NEW DELHI: The National Sports Governance Bill 2025, which the govt says is aimed at reforming the country's sports administration and making national federations (NSFs) accountable, formally became an Act after receiving President Droupadi Murmu's assent. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The legislation, along with the National Anti-Doping (amendment) Bill 2025, was passed in the Lok Sabha by a 'voice vote' on Aug 11. A day later, the two bills also cleared the Rajya Sabha hurdle following discussions before being sent to the President. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 18th of Aug 2025 and is hereby published for general information — the National Sports Governance Act, 2025,' a gazette notification by the govt stated. Now, the govt's efforts will be directed towards establishing a National Sports Board (NSB), National Sports Tribunal (NST) and National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) for good governance in NSFs and achieving better results in sports. A key aspect of the Act, following amendments introduced by the govt, states that the proposed tribunal 'shall not have jurisdiction to adjudicate any dispute or conflict arising during the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth and Asian Games, or any other similar events organised by any international federations'. The tribunal will also not adjudicate 'any dispute falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of the internal disputes' resolution committee of a national sports body; or any other tribunal or court; or any international federation; or the Court of Arbitration for Sports established in Lausanne'. The Act says the tribunal will have the powers of a civil court and decide disputes ranging from selection to election involving federations and athletes. Once instituted, the tribunal's decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.
Hans India
11 hours ago
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 20th Aug 2025
BCCI is not above law This refers to the column 'Cricket lovers have right to know BCCI activities' (THI, August 19). The National Sports Governance Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha recently and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been exempted from the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Although hockey is our national sport, cricket enjoys mass popularity and occupies the status of a religion in cricket-mad India. It is to such an extent that when they are underway, IPL and the World Cup dominate discussions across the nation. Yet, despite this craze for cricket, people do not seem eager to bring the BCCI under the purview of the RTI. Although privately funded, the world's richest cricketing body enjoys all privileges from the government, including income tax exemptions. That the NDA government had to keep the BCCI outside the RTI framework shows the clout the board wields in the corridors of power. Against this backdrop, what can ordinary folk do? In a democracy, if any institution becomes so powerful that both citizens and the incumbent government appear to be its yes men, then it signals a dark future for the nation and its people. Dr Jitesh Mori, Kutch Tragic fire mishap in Hyd It was heart-rending that six devotees died of electrocution during Janmashtami celebrations in Ramanthapur (THI, Aug 19). Although the energy department has ordered an inquiry into the tragedy, I feel that the probe must also have officials from the revenue and police wings. As the tragedy is of enormous proportions, the investigation should be broad-based, transparent and accountable. When cable lines were on electric wires, why did not the linemen step in? Will the cable operators also be held responsible for the tragedy along with energy dept staff? The bereaved families must be provided suitable ex gratia. JP Reddy, Nalgonda A divine boost to elderly Balaji devotees Kudos to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the remarkable initiative his government has taken up. Extending the free darshan facility at Tirupati for 65+citizens is a wonderful gesture. Providing battery-operated cars to ferry the senior citizens exemplified true compassion. Let's celebrate this act of kindness. T S Karthik, Chennai A distressing situation for Bhadradri farmers I would like to draw attention to the alarming situation faced by farmers in the Bhadradri region due to acute shortage of urea. (Farmers left high and dry amid acute urea shortage in Bhadradri-Pg 7). The problem is worsened by deficient rainfall this year leaving many crops under strain. The unfair practice of hoarding has created an artificial scarcity, thereby leading to exorbitant prices of commodities, while leaving most farmers, already caught in financial stress, completely helpless. The authorities must step in to regulate the unfair distribution of urea and ensure that it reaches the farmers who truly need it. Any further delay may result in Bhadradri farmers losing harvest and faith in the system. They need support right away. Anhaar Majid, St Francis College for Women GHMC's praiseworthy initiative for Indie pets I would like to appreciate GHMC's initiative of conducting an adoption drive for cute puppies. The innovative tagline 'Be a hero, adopt, don't shop' already tells a lot. I strongly believe that puppies deserve to be loved and be taken care of. The indie puppy adoption mela was a feast for the eyes of every animal lover. It was lovely to see how all the Hyderabadi animal lovers assembled at one place and created a joyful atmosphere. This initiative helps to unite and foster the bond of love between the one who wants to take care of and the one who wants to be taken care of. Looking from a social perspective, I think in the long run, if such adoption drives are continued, many homeless puppies and shelter animals can find a loveable home. This can also reduce the habit of buying pets from dealers who only hope to make a fast buck. Gowri Ghanpathi, Hyderabad
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
National Sports Governance Bill Gets President's Nod, Becomes An Act
New Delhi: The National Sports Governance Bill has become an Act after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the legislation that promises to overhaul India's sports administration and has been described as a path-breaking reform by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The Presidential assent came on Monday, stated a Gazette notification by the central government. "The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 18th August, 2025 and is hereby published for general information -- The National Sports Governance Act, 2025," it stated. As has been reported by PTI, the legislation that was ultimately passed by the Parliament carries two major amendments to the bill that was originally presented. The scope of Right to Information (RTI) has been narrowed to include only those sports bodies that rely on government funding and support, effectively keeping the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) out of its purview. The cricket board had been opposing coming under RTI as it is not dependent on government funding. "A recognised sports organisation, receiving grants or any other financial assistance from the Central Government under sub-section (1) or from a State Government, shall be considered as a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005, with respect to utilisation of such grants or any other financial assistance," the Act states. In addition, aspirants for the top positions in national federations will be required to serve just one term in the Executive Committee, instead of the "overly restrictive" eligibility rule of two terms prescribed earlier, to encourage "younger administrators and athlete-leaders". "...a person shall not be qualified to contest for election or seek nomination to, the posts of the President or the Secretary General or the Treasurer, unless such person is a sportsperson of outstanding merit or, has previously served as a member for at least one full term in the Executive Committee of the National Sports Body or as the President, or the Secretary General or the Treasurer in its affiliate unit," the Act states. The sports bill, which had been waiting in the wings for over a decade, was passed after extensive consultations by Mr Mandaviya with various stakeholders over the past one year. It was presented in the Lok Sabha on July 23 and was passed in the Lower House on August 11. A day later, Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the document following a discussion that lasted well over two hours. The new law will lead to the creation of a National Sports Board, which will have the power to give affiliation to National Sports Federation and also de-recognise those who commit violations that may range from financial mis-appropriation to electoral wrongdoing. A National Sports Tribunal will be instituted for speedy dispute resolution and its decisions would only be challengeable in the Supreme Court to ensure that sports issues are not tangled in lengthy legal proceedings. In addition, a National Sports Election Panel will be set up to oversee NSF polls that are often mired in controversies. The Act also gives central government the discretionary power to limit India's international participation in "extraordinary circumstances" and where "national interest" is at stake
