Domain Name Disputes | No Action Be Taken Against GoDaddy Till Further Orders: Delhi High Court To DOT, MeitY

The Delhi High Court has asked the Department of Telecommunications and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to not take any action against the domain name registrar (DNR) GoDaddy after it was clarified that a Grievance Officer has been appointed by it to give effect to the court orders.

In a domain dispute case, the court in September had asked various DNRs to submit details of their Grievance Officers and directed DOT and MeITY to take action in accordance with law, in case the DNRs have not appointed the officers. The court had noted there is no clarity regarding the position of GoDaddy as there seems to be no individual who can be contacted to ensure implementation of court orders. 

GoDaddy recently moved an application before the court clarifying that Karen Gaydos was appointed as Grievance Officer in February 2021 in compliance of the IT Rules, 2021. The court has asked the Centre to make submissions on the application on the next date.

"In view of the fact that GoDaddy has now clarified that the stated Grievance Officer exists to address grievances and to give effect to orders passed by this Court or any other Court or authority, it is clarified that no action be taken by DOT/MeitY against GoDaddy, till further orders of this Court," said the court.

Advance Service To Grievance Officers 

Meanwhile, the court has directed its Registry to take note of the names and e-mail address of the Grievance Officer for each DNR and request the Plaintiff - in cases against the DNRs, to serve the Grievance Officer in advance, via e-mail.

"The details of the above Grievance Officers shall be published along with the other Grievance Officer details ... in the cause list as well in order to enable effective adjudication of domain name disputes," said the court. 

Also read: Proliferation Of Impostor Domain Names: Delhi High Court Directs DNRs To Appoint Grievance Officers Under IT Rules 2021

Case Title: DABUR INDIA LIMITED v. ASHOK KUMAR AND ORS and other connected matters