New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS): The Supreme Court Wednesday issued notice to the Centre asking it to spell out its position on the legality or otherwise of the online game of rummy and card games involving stakes.

The court also extended its stay on Madras High Court judgment that had held these games illegal as these involved gambling.

The apex court bench of Justice Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifulla and Justice Shiva Kirti Singh said that its order putting on hold the high court order was applicable only to the petitioners before the court.

The apex court by its March 25, 2012, order had kept in abeyance the high court verdict of March 22, 2012 which held that the online rummy involving stakes was gambling and thus illegal.

Seeking the response from the Centre, the court directed the next hearing of the matter September 25, 2014.

The petitioners before the apex court are Mahalakshmi Cultural Association, Head Infotech India (P) Ltd., Play Games 24x7(P) Ltd., M/S City Club (India) Pvt. Ltd., M/S Darkhorse Farms and Land Dev. Pvt. Ltd. and M/S Sakthi Recreation Centre.