High Court
LMOs victor as Bombay HC directs TRAI to settle interconnect issue
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court today (1 September, 2015) issued direction to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to settle the Interconnect Agreement (ICA) issue between last mile owners (LMOs) and multi system operators (MSOs) within two weeks. A report has to be submitted to the TRAI on the proceedings in 30 days.
“All LMOs are advised not to sign the one sided Interconnect Agreement of all MSOs. If the LMO has already signed without understanding the same and if the MSO has not given a copy of the Interconnect Agreement with their company seal and signature within 15 days of signing the same then the Interconnect Agreement is null and void,” said Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF) in a statement.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com MCOF president Arvind Prabhu said, “This is a victory for the last mile operators who were constantly denied their dues. It’s the LMOs who do all the hard work in maintaining a cordial relationship with the consumers and growing the customer base, but MSOs are not ready to acknowledge this. We want a justified proposition through which the last mile operators will get their due.”
“We want an agreement, which will be a balanced proposition between all the stakeholders. We want to have a transparent ecosystem where there is clarity on every aspect including revenue system. Ignoring LMOs or not giving them their due certainly cannot be the way forward,” added Prabhu.
“A just and fair ICA will now be drafted under the supervision of the Hon. Bombay High Court by TRAI and parties involved. All MSOs are to be made parties in this matter by MCOF so that there is a common just and fair Interconnect Agreement for all LMOs across India,” MCOF said in the statement.
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.
