The Delhi High Court recently made a significant decision to stop unauthorized streaming of Indian Premier League (IPL) events on certain websites. This decision came after Viacom 18 Media Private Limited, which has the rights to broadcast IPL events, filed a lawsuit.
The court led by Justice Sanveej Narula took action to protect Viacom 18’s rights
The court, led by Justice Sanjeev Narula, took action to protect Viacom 18’s rights. It ordered six rogue websites to stop streaming IPL events without permission. These websites were also told to be locked and suspended by their domain registrars, and telecom service providers were instructed to block access to them.
The court emphasized the importance of adapting legal measures to address modern challenges, especially regarding copyright infringement on the internet. It recognized the widespread popularity of IPL events, which are broadcasted legally through platforms like JioCinema.
Unauthorized streaming of these events hurts Viacom 18’s revenue and undermines the investment they made in acquiring broadcasting rights. The court highlighted the recurring problem of rogue websites illegally distributing copyrighted content, particularly during major events like the IPL.
To tackle this issue, the court urged swift action from authorities to block such websites in real-time upon receiving reports from Viacom 18. It stressed the importance of a vigilant legal framework to protect copyright and intellectual property rights.
So, the court’s decision serves to safeguard the interests of rightful owners like Viacom 18 and underscores the need for effective measures against digital piracy. The legal team representing Viacom 18 played a crucial role in presenting their case before the court.
