High Court
HC asks ministry to exempt controversial film for IFFK
NEW DELHI: The Kerala High Court has asked the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to grant exemption to the film “Ka Bodyscapes” in a week’s time.
This follows a petition by the filmmaker Jayan Cherian who had been told by the forthcoming International Film festival of Kerala (IFFK) that he would not be permitted to show his film as the Ministry had refused to exempt it.
Under the existing rules, any film selected for an international festival in India is expected to get ministerial clearance if not certified by the CBFC. The Festival is commencing on 9 December 2016.
IFFK officials had asked Cherian to get exemption by 25 November. The exemption is necessary as the film was not cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification.
In the case of Ka Bodyscapes, the certification body had refused to certify it on the grounds that it insulted Hindu religion and there’s a writ petition pending before the High Court in this regard.
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.
