Supreme Court Upholds Retrospective 28% GST and State Regulation on Online Gaming
The Supreme Court upheld the government's retrospective 28% GST levy on online gaming companies, ruling that these platforms supply actionable claims taxable under GST law. The court rejected challenges distinguishing skill-based games from gambling for tax purposes. It also affirmed states' authority to regulate or ban online gaming involving betting, overturning earlier High Court rulings in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The decision emphasizes public wellbeing and clarifies the legal framework for online gaming taxation and regulation.