Delhi High Court Issues Summons To Telegram Users After Messaging App Discloses Identity Details In Copyright Infringement Case

Days after the messaging app disclosed their identity details, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued summons to the Telegram users accused by India Today Group of infringing its trademarks and copyrights.

"In light of the details of the defendants no.2 to 15 being made available in the aforementioned affidavit filed on behalf of the defendant no.1, subject to the plaintiffs taking steps, summons be issued to the defendants no.2 to 15 through all electronic modes," Justice Amit Bansal said in the order.

On November 29, Telegram had placed on record "the identity/Basic Subscribers Information of the defendants in a sealed cover" before the court. The parties were directed by the court to keep the information confidential. However, the court has clarified that "disclosure to government authorities/police is permissible."

Telegram on Tuesday submitted additional information before the court. The counsel representing the India Today Group had last month told the court that details in respect of all the defendants have not been provided.

"An additional affidavit has been filed on behalf of the defendant no.1/Telegram in compliance with the orders passed by this Court on 18th October, 2022 and 29th November, 2022. The information disclosed in the affidavit has been filed separately in a sealed cover," Justice Bansal said in the order, while listing the case for hearing on March 20, 2023.

On October 18, the court had directed Telegram to "disclose the identity/Basic Subscriber information of Defendants No. 2 to 15 accounts and their uploaders, in a sealed cover, within a period of three weeks". While passing the direction, Justice Bansal had observed that India Today Group is entitled to the relief claimed in its prayer for sharing of the user information as a co-ordinate bench has already decided the question regarding such disclosure in Neetu Singh and Another v. Telegram FZ LLC and Others.

Living Media India Limited, popularly known as India Today Group, earlier this year filed a suit seeking permanent injunction against the Telegram channels which are allegedly infringing its trademarks and copyrights.

Title: LIVING MEDIA INDIA LIMITED & ANR versus TELEGRAM FZ LLC & ORS

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