Ban on online games? Madras High Court asked the petitioner to approach the government

In a world dominated by mobile phones, laptop internet and online gaming, there is no doubt that these things take up a part of our lives. And when it comes to children, their reliance on technology can have a lasting impact on their health and education. But acknowledging the fact that the youth are actually addicted to their phones and laptops, the Madras High Court refused to ban all online and offline video games as requested by the petitioner. The court said it should be left to elected governments to make policy decisions on concerns about the addiction of children and young adults to these games.

There is no doubt that children and young adults these days were addicted to their phones and laptops and their world seems to revolve around these gadgets, the court said. But the courts cannot pass any such restraining order at present, the first bench said. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamurthy, disposing of a PIL by city counsel E Martin Jayakumar, said such policy matters should be looked into by appropriate governments either in the state or at the Centre.

The court said it would intervene only if there was an illegal act going on, or something which would be detrimental to the larger public interest. But in the current situation, the court will not issue any decree, but will leave it to the discretion of those representing the people. The bench said that if the executive fails to act, and if the court feels that the present situation is a threat to the society, it can step in.

The bench directed the petitioner to send representations within four weeks to the Center through the Ministry of Women and Child Development and to the State Government through the department deemed most appropriate by the petitioner. The bench said that the concerned authorities should give due consideration to the matter and thereafter convey its stand to the petitioner within eight weeks. However, nothing in this order will prevent further complaints from being taken to this court, if appropriate executive action is not taken on the same, it said.

According to the petitioner, mobile phones have completely occupied the lives of people and even children yearn to get mobile phones. The petitioner argued that addiction would be destructive and life-threatening as it destroys the career-building phase of a young adult and may even lead to suicidal tendencies.

(with PTI inputs)

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