Madras HC says right to privacy is not absolute; Tamil Nadu government is required to prevent social harm
The court was hearing petitions challenging the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (Real Money Games) Regulations 2025, mandating a 'blank hour' midnight to 5 AM ban on gaming and an Aadhaar-based user verification system.
A Madras High Court bench of justices SM Subramaniam and K Rajasekar dismissed the petitions, saying that the online gaming regulations amounted to 'reasonable restrictions' that govern all fundamental rights.
The bench added that a user's fundamental right to privacy cannot be considered absolute and needs to be balanced with public interest.
'When put on a scale, public interest overweighs the right to privacy,' it said.
The court reserved its order on 30 April, saying the Tamil Nadu government can 'step in' if online real-money games are addictive and cause social harm, reported Hindustan Times.
Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi and Sajjan Poovayya, representing gaming companies, opposed the regulations, saying that the Union government already regulated such games.
They also argued that the Tamil Nadu government was trying to indirectly prohibit online gaming under the guise of protecting users from addiction.
Digital gaming platforms such as Play Games 24x7, Head Digital Works, and Junglee Games India, opposed provisions prohibiting users under 18 from playing real-money games, 'know your customer' registration with Aadhaar for opening gaming accounts, and ban on playing during 'blank hours'.
Defending the online gaming regulations, the Tamil Nadu government said that users often included minors and that addiction was ruining their health.
The latest Madras High Court judgement will reinforce the Tamil Nadu government's authority to regulate online gaming and would also empower other states to implement similar regulatory measures to safeguard health and well-being of users.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
29 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
‘Stree Shakti' benefits 47 lakh women in four days in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: The Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme launched by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has witnessed a strong response, with nearly 47 lakh women availing the facility in just four days. On Monday alone, over 18 lakh women travelled on zero-fare tickets, saving more than Rs 7 crore. So far, the scheme has generated collective savings of nearly Rs 19 crore for women passengers. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the progress with APSRTC officials at the Secretariat on Monday, approving its extension to buses operating on ghat routes. He directed that women may use either a physical or digital Aadhaar card for verification and suggested installing clear signboards on buses for easy identification. Officials said women have expressed delight at the savings, terming the initiative a game-changer. The government has stressed smooth implementation to sustain the scheme's impact and reach women even in remote areas.
Economic Times
39 minutes ago
- Economic Times
PM Modi to meet China's top diplomat Wang Yi as Asian powers rebuild ties
ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with China's top diplomat on Tuesday in a sign of easing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors after a yearslong standoff between the Asian powers. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in India on Monday, is scheduled to hold talks with Modi and other leaders, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, about the disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. Reducing the number of troops on the border, and resuming some trade there, is expected to be on the agenda. Also Read: China lifts curbs on fertilizers, rare earths & tunnel boring machines to India The rebuilding of ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India, a longtime ally seen as a counterbalance against China's influence in Asia. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the U.S. along with Australia and Japan. 'Compromise at the highest political level' India and China's decades-old border dispute worsened in 2020 after a deadly clash between their troops in the Ladakh region. The chill in relations affected trade, diplomacy and air travel as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Some progress has been made since then. Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Both sides are working to restore direct flights. Last week, the spokesman for India's foreign ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, said India and China were in discussions to restart trade through three points along their 3,488-kilometer (2,167-mile) border. Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank, said relations are still at an uneasy level of normalization. "Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level," said Joshi, who also served as a member of the advisory board for India's National Security Council. He asserted that the countries are "still talking past each other when it comes to the border dispute and issues surrounding it." On Monday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing is willing to take Wang's India visit as an opportunity to work with the Indian side to "properly handle differences and promote the sustained, sound and stable development of China-India relations." Mao said Wang's meeting with Modi's national security adviser will "continue in-depth communication to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas." Modi plans to visit China soon The thaw between Beijing and New Delhi began last October when Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at a summit of emerging economies in Russia. It was the first time the leaders had spoken in person since 2019. Modi is set to met Xi when he travels to China late this month - his first visit in seven years - to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional grouping formed by China, Russia and others to counter U.S. influence in Asia. Earlier this year, Xi called for India and China's relations to take the form of a "dragon-elephant tango" - a dance between the emblematic animals of the countries. Last month, India's external affairs minister visited Beijing in his first trip to China since 2020. The U.S. and Pakistan play roles in the thaw The renewed engagement comes as New Delhi's ties with Trump are fraying. Washington has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which includes a penalty of 25% for purchasing Russian crude oil. The tariffs take effect Aug. 27. India has shown no sign of backing down, instead signing more agreements with Russia to deepen economic cooperation. Trump's renewed engagement with India's arch rival, Pakistan, has also encouraged New Delhi's overtures to China, said Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, who led Indian military's Northern Command from 2014 to 2016. In June, Trump hosted Pakistan's army chief for a White House lunch and later announced an energy deal with Islamabad to jointly develop the country's oil reserves. Both followed Trump's claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the two sides traded military strikes in May. That clash saw Pakistan use Chinese-made military jets and missiles against India. "China is heavily invested in Pakistan and, practically speaking, you can't have any expectation that Beijing will hold back support to Islamabad," Hooda said. "But you can't have two hostile neighbors on your borders and simultaneously deal with them also."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Cardiologist's No. 1 sleep tip to control blood pressure and support a healthier heart
A healthy heart depends on more than just diet and exercise; quality sleep plays a key role too. According to US-based cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, the most effective habit for managing blood pressure isn't simply sleeping more, but maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your internal body clock, reduce stress levels, and support heart health. Regular sleep timing also improves sleep quality, which is crucial for controlling blood pressure. When combined with a healthy diet, exercise, and medical care, this simple habit can make a lasting difference. Why a regular sleep schedule matters in controlling blood pressure Every part of your body, including the heart, follows a natural rhythm known as the circadian clock. Going to sleep and rising at the same time daily helps this clock stay aligned, reducing stress on the heart. Irregular sleep patterns, even just differing by 30 minutes night to night, have been linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure. How consistency helps lower blood pressure Maintaining consistency in your sleep-wake routine supports blood pressure regulation by reducing stress hormone fluctuations and enabling better cardiovascular recovery. Scientific guidance from heart health organisations highlights sleep health, including timing and regularity, as crucial factors in preventing heart disease, high blood pressure, and metabolic problems. The message is clear: it's not only how long you sleep, but also when you sleep that counts. Why this habit works Eases cardiovascular strain: A steady sleep routine helps your heart function more effectively and reduces stress on blood vessels. Improves sleep quality: A regular schedule enhances the depth and restfulness of sleep, which is essential for blood pressure control . Supports overall well-being: Better sleep supports mood, energy, and healthier lifestyle choices, all of which benefit heart health. Steps to build a heart-friendly sleep routine 1. Establish a fixed bedtime and wake-up time Choose times that suit your daily schedule and stick to them, even on weekends. This helps train your body's internal rhythm and promotes more restorative sleep 2. Create a calm bedtime ritual Turn off screens at least an hour before bed. Instead, wind down with calming activity, such as reading a book or gentle stretching, to signal to your body that it's time to rest 3. Make your bedroom sleep-friendly Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. These environmental factors help improve sleep quality and, in turn, support healthy blood pressure levels 4. Be mindful of evening stimulants Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy or salty late-night snacks. Such habits can raise blood pressure by disturbing both sleep and cardiovascular balance Beyond diet and exercise: Why sleep is key to controlling blood pressure While diet, exercise, and medications remain fundamental in blood pressure management, sleep is often an overlooked but equally vital component. Following Dr Bhojraj's advice to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, by going to bed and waking up at the same times each day, can provide a simple yet powerful boost to heart health and blood pressure control. This regularity helps regulate your body's internal clock, reducing stress hormones that can raise blood pressure. Moreover, consistent sleep improves the quality of rest, allowing the cardiovascular system to recover and repair overnight. Incorporating this habit alongside healthy eating, physical activity, and medical guidance can significantly enhance overall blood pressure management and reduce the risk of heart disease. Also read | Regularly drinking hot drinks can cause cancer: Expert warnings you shouldn't ignore
