The Bombay High Court has quashed a First Information Report (FIR) lodged against Akshay Matkar, the proprietor of Wingame Enterprises, for allegedly violating the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887. A division bench comprising Justices Sunil Shukre and MM Sathaye examined the game's user manual and found that it required mathematical skill, observation, and the ability to solve equations within a time-bound manner. The game comprises Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on geometrical and mathematical problems, and players must solve mathematical quizzes based on different combinations for geometric figures that are assigned specific values. The bench held that the game is one of skill and not chance, and therefore does not come within the ambit of 'gambling.' The FIR was lodged after a police raid in Satara district, where money was being collected based on the numbers reflected on a computer. The bench found that the allegations in the FIR did not make out an offence and therefore quashed the FIR, stating that if the Petitioners were made to face trial, it would be an abuse of process of law.
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TAGS: Bombay High Court quashes FIR gambling Wingame Enterprises proprietor Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act Akshay Anant Matkar game of skill chance Multiple Choice Questions mathematical problems user manual mathematical skill observation time-bound equations MCQs Satara district police raid money collected computer offence abuse of process of law.
