Online gaming firms move Supreme Court to review 28% GST verdict

Online gaming companies have approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of its recent judgment upholding the constitutional validity of the 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the sector, while also challenging the court's decision to uphold retrospective tax demands exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

The industry has filed review petitions against the apex court's May 27 judgment, which had upheld the levy of 28% GST on online gaming and rejected challenges to retrospective tax notices issued by tax authorities.

The verdict had dealt a major blow to the online gaming industry by validating the government's decision to impose 28% GST on the full face value of bets placed on online gaming platforms, while also clearing the way for tax authorities to pursue legacy tax claims running into more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore.


Through the review petitions, gaming companies have urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling, arguing for a fresh examination of the legal and constitutional issues surrounding the tax regime and the retrospective demands.

The outcome of the review petitions could have significant implications for India's online gaming industry, which has maintained that the tax burden and retrospective claims threaten the viability of several businesses in the sector.