Delhi High Court Grants Dynamic Injunction Restraining Rogue Websites From Illegally Streaming 'Copyrighted Content' Of STAR Channels, Hotstar

The Delhi High Court has granted a dynamic injunction in favour of Star India as it restrained 21 rogue websites from illegally streaming its content, including TV shows and movies broadcasted on STAR channels and OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar.

Justice Anish Dayal observed that the plaintiffs, who were producers of the TV Shows, films or web-series disseminated on STAR Channels and the OTT platform, made out a prima facie case for grant of an ex-parte ad interim injunction as also a dynamic injunction.

“Balance of convenience lies in favour of plaintiffs as irreparable loss would be caused if the same is not granted,” the court said.

It further directed the domain name registrars to lock and suspend or deactivate the domains and sub-domains of the infringing websites. The court also directed the internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the infringing websites.

“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,” it said.

STAR India Private Limited filed the suit against the infringing websites and Ashok Kumar (John Doe) seeking to permanently restrain against them authorizing access to the public its exclusive copyrighted content.

The court observed that prima facie, that the content on various STAR channels has been hosted or carried on the rogue websites in question.

It directed that if any other mirror or similar websites are found to be directly or indirectly infringing STAR India's rights, the producers will be at liberty to communicate in writing or email to the DNRs, ISPs, DoT, MEITY.

“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,” the court said.

Counsel for Plaintiffs: Mr. Siddharth Chopra, Mr. Yatinder Garg and Ms. Astha Sehgal and Ms. Srishti Dhoundiyal, Advocates

Counsel for Respondents: Ms. Mrinal Ojha, Mr. D. Datta and Ms. Tanya Choudhary, Advocates for D-24

Title: STAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED v. TERIIMERIDOORIYAN.COM & ORS.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 225

Click Here To Read Order