High Court
Ban on Crime Serials on Kannada Channels sought
BANGALORE: The Karnataka government sought a direction from the High Court (HC) to ban Crime Diary and Crime Story being telecast on Kannada ETV and Udaya TV in reply to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate on Wednesday at Bangalore.
In a matter that could have far reaching effect and consequences the PIL contends that the telecast of such serials go beyond the permissible limits and infringe upon rights of citizens and adversely effect public interest – the government has sought a blanket direction to the electronic media not to carry stories in violation of the criminal justice system.
The HC said that it was open for the state government to take action against the police officials, officers and the electronic media if they were found acting in violation of the law.
A division bench comprising of Chief Justice N K Sodhi and Justice B Padmaraj heard the PIL against the telecast of the serials that are allegedly affecting fair trial of criminal cases. Also contending that the telecast timing of 10 pm everyday would seriously affect children and could result in psychological and neurological disorders and could incite the young to take to crime, the counsel sought HCs intervention.
The petitioner Mr. A V Aamaranathan, an advocate, complained that the police were disclosing confidential information and parading the accused in front of the cameras, taking interviews of the victims, police officials and others in violation of the principles of criminal justice system and natural justice. The police officials were making statements in the serails. The serials portrayed gory scenes that were bound to have a negative effect on children and others.
The government counsel submitted that necessary instructions had been issued and action such as suspension was taken against some SIs and PIs The honorable judges directed that the some SPs and DIGs should placed to stop police officials from participating in such programmes.
The government counsel assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure that officials did not violate the criminals justice system, but, sought a direction from the HC to stop parallel trial of criminal cases by the electronic media during then process of investigation or pendency of trials before the criminal courts.
Following arguments between the petitioners, the government counsel and the counsel representing the TV channels, the hearing has been adjourned to 17 January, 2005.
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.
