The Delhi High Court has recently issued a dynamic injunction in favor of Star India, targeting 21 rogue websites accused of illegally streaming copyrighted content from STAR channels and the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar. Justice Anish Dayal highlighted the clear case presented by the plaintiffs, stating,
“Balance of convenience lies in favour of plaintiffs as irreparable loss would be caused if the same is not granted.”
The court’s decision mandates domain name registrars to lock, suspend, or deactivate the domains and sub-domains of the infringing websites. Additionally, internet service providers (ISPs) are ordered to block access to these websites. Justice Dayal further instructed,
“Defendant nos. 41 and 42 (DoT and MEITY) shall take steps to ensure that ISPs comply with the directions issued above, through appropriate communications and notices sent to the said ISPs, including other ISPs which are registered with them.”
The lawsuit was initiated by STAR India Private Limited against the infringing websites and an individual, Ashok Kumar (John Doe), to permanently restrain them from allowing public access to its exclusive copyrighted content. The court noted the prima facie evidence of STAR channels’ content being hosted on the rogue websites.
Moreover, the court provided a mechanism for addressing future infringements, stating,
“The said defendants shall ensure that the directions given above shall be extended to those websites as well. If any of these defendants have a reservation, they will be at liberty to address a written communication/email to the plaintiffs stating the reasons for the same.”
This ruling represents a significant step in the fight against copyright infringement and illegal content distribution online, safeguarding the rights of content creators and distributors.
CASE DETAILS:
Case title- STAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED v. TERIIMERIDOORIYAN.COM & ORS.
Ms. Mrinal Ojha, Mr. D. Datta– Counsel for Respondents
Ms. Tanya Choudhary– Advocates for D-24
