Asia Cup 2022: Delhi High Court Grants Interim Relief To Star India, Restrains Rogue Websites From Streaming Event

The Delhi High Court has restrained various rogue websites from streaming and broadcasting cricket matches or events in relation to the Asia Cup 2022, scheduled to commence from 27th August, 2022 till 11th September, 2022.

Justice Pratibha M Singh was dealing with a suit filed by Star India Pvt. Ltd and Novi Digital Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. seeking an injunction to restrain the illegal and unauthorized dissemination of the Asia Cup Cricket matches and associated content by the rogue websites.

The plaintiffs claimed to have rights in respect of events relating to cricket, football, Formula 1, Badminton, tennis, hockey, domestic and international cricket matches, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

A severe apprehension was raised by the plaintiffs that owing to the past conduct of these rogue websites, the said websites are likely to illegally stream and telecast the Asia Cup Cricketing events.

Noting that there was no doubt in the ownership of the rights for exclusive telecast and broadcast as also online streaming in favour of the Plaintiffs, the Court said was of the view that the websites were not merely indulging in streaming Star Sports channels, but various other established channels as well.

"Moreover, the broadcasting is not limited to cricket matches, but also other sporting events, such as the 'Tour De France', and the 'NRL Rugby League'. Therefore, the Court is convinced that the said websites belonging to Defendant Nos. 1 - 11, are rogue websites, primarily consisting of pirated content," the Court said.

While restraining the rogue websites to telecast the content till the next date of hearing, the Bench also directed the Domain Name Registrars to immediately block the domain names and maintain status quo.

"The DoT and MEITY, as also the ISPs, shall block the Defendant Nos. 1 to 11 websites," the Court added.

The Court further opined that during these events covered by the Plaintiffs' agreements, if they discover other mirror or rogue websites broadcasting and telecasting the sporting events, they may file an affidavit in this regard before the Court along with evidence.

"The said websites shall stand blocked with immediate effect, upon notice being issued by the Plaintiffs to the DoT and ISPs that such an affidavit has already been filed before this Court," the Court ordered.

The matter will now be heard on November 9.

Case Title: STAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED & ANR. v. MHDTV.WORLD & ORS.

Click Here To Read Order