Big relief for PUBG supporters: Internet Freedom Foundation files PIL in Gujarat High Court against ban order

In what could be good news for PUBG fans, players and supporters, Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has filed public interest litigation (PIL) before Gujarat High Court challenging PUBG ban order across the state.

The PIL was filed after law enforcement authorities in Gujarat arrested more than 20 people across the state under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for playing PUBG on their mobile phone.

"Remember the PUBG Ban in Gujarat which led to the arrest of at least twenty one people? Well, we decided that it was time to do something about such arbitrary bans which use the threat of imprisonment to force youngsters to give up recreational activities," the Internet Freedom Foundation said in its blog post.

The IFF filed PIL in Gujarat High Court citing the violation of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the constitution of India. The organisation also said it is being represented in court by a litigation team consisting of Mr Asim Pandya and Mr Manan Bhatt.

"We expect that the matter will be listed for hearing in a week or two and we will keep you updated," the IFF added.

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Earlier, Ahmedabad police reportedly lifted the ban on PUBG. However, the IFF argued that nothing is legally stopping Ahmedabad police from renewing the ban, hinting that Ahmedabad police might impose the ban again in the future if their action is not challenged legally.

"Yes, while we are thankful for the public statement by the Ahmedabad police that the ban will not be renewed, there is nothing stopping it legally from happening. What is worse are the legal prosecutions that have resulted from it," the IFF said explaining their motive behind challenging the ban order.

Furthermore, the IFF said that the PUBG ban is not a laughing matter as out of all the people arrested for playing the game in Gujarat, at least thirteen were college students.

"For a young student who is worried about his family’s reaction and future career prospects, being arrested by the police can be a deeply traumatic experience. To us the PUBG Ban is fuelled by moral panic and the harms from video games require scientific study and then non-legal methods of engagement," the IFF added.