High Court
Delhi HC blocks illegal IPL 2026 streams, backs JioStar rights
Court orders swift takedowns, expands crackdown on piracy apps
NEW DELHI: In a timely move ahead of the cricketing season, the Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to JioStar India Private Limited, clamping down on illegal streaming of the TATA Indian Premier League 2026.
The court passed ex parte ad interim injunctions in two separate suits, restraining rogue websites and mobile applications from broadcasting IPL matches without authorisation. The tournament is set to begin on 28 March, making the timing of the order particularly significant.
Recognising JioStar’s exclusive digital and broadcast rights for the IPL cycle from 2023 to 2027, the court observed that unauthorised streaming would infringe its statutory and proprietary rights, potentially causing irreparable losses.
In one case, the court directed several identified websites to immediately stop hosting or streaming IPL content. It also issued a dynamic injunction, allowing JioStar to flag new infringing platforms in real time, which must then be blocked swiftly by domain registrars and internet service providers.
In a parallel order, the court turned its attention to piracy through mobile apps, particularly Android-based platforms distributing content via APK files. A broader dynamic+ injunction was granted, extending to future variants, mirror links and related interfaces, signalling a tougher stance on evolving piracy tactics.
The court also directed domain name registrars to suspend offending domains and share registrant details, including KYC and payment information. Internet service providers and telecom operators have been instructed to block access within strict timelines, in some instances within 36 hours. Both the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have been asked to facilitate enforcement through necessary notifications.
Noting the fast-changing nature of digital piracy, the court emphasised the need for real-time enforcement tools to keep pace with anonymous and constantly shifting networks. It also underlined the commercial impact of piracy on legitimate rights holders.
The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s firm stance on protecting intellectual property in the digital age. For viewers, it is a reminder to stick to official platforms as the IPL season kicks off under tighter watch.
High Court
Delhi High Court orders removal of deepfake Gambhir videos
Platforms including Meta, Google and Amazon directed to take down content and disclose uploaders.
MUMBAI: Gautam Gambhir just scored a legal boundary because when deepfakes put words in the coach’s mouth, even the court steps in to call “no ball”. The Delhi High Court has directed major technology platforms to remove objectionable deepfake videos and content misusing the identity of former India cricketer and current head coach Gautam Gambhir. A single-judge bench led by Justice Jyoti Singh said it would issue directions to Meta, Google and Amazon to take down flagged links and posts, while also asking them to disclose details of the entities responsible for uploading the material.
Gambhir approached the court seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights, alleging that his name, voice, image and likeness were being misused through AI tools and deepfake technology. His plea also sought damages of Rs 2.5 crore and a permanent injunction against such use.
Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, appearing for Gambhir, told the court that the content had “material consequence”, citing fabricated videos that falsely showed Gambhir resigning as head coach after a poor performance or assaulting a fellow player. “Imagine the head coach of the Indian team and words are being put in his mouth through deepfake to say he is resigning from the team. It has created a lot of issues,” he said.
The court granted protection to Gambhir’s personality rights and ordered the removal of objectionable posts circulating without his consent. It further directed platforms to remove offending URLs and share basic subscriber information of those behind the uploads.
The case stems from a plea filed in the Commercial Division of the Delhi High Court, which alleged a “coordinated campaign of digital impersonation”. Several clips cited in the lawsuit had gained significant traction online, with a fake resignation video reportedly crossing 2.9 million views and another misleading clip drawing over 1.7 million views. Gambhir’s legal team also flagged unauthorised merchandise being sold on e-commerce platforms using his name and likeness without consent.
The suit names 16 defendants, including individual social media accounts, e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, and technology companies including Meta, X Corp. and Google (which owns Youtube). Gambhir alleged that anonymous accounts were exploiting his identity to spread misinformation and generate revenue.
In an age where deepfakes can make anyone say anything, the Delhi High Court has sent a clear message: your face, your voice and your name are not fair game for clicks and coins. Gambhir’s swift legal action may just become the playbook for public figures fighting back against digital impersonation.
