High Court
Madras HC declines stay on TRAI tariff order
MUMBAI: The Madras High court rejected the interim prayer plea in a petition filed by Chennai Metro Cable TV (CAS) Operators Association declining to stay the implementation of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) tariff order. Justice S Vaidyanathan issued notice to TRAI as well as posted the matter to 3 January for further hearing.
The cable TV association’s petition was against two notifications on the new regulations issued through media releases on 19 November and 18 December fixing December 29 as the deadline for implementing the new regime. They sought to quash the two notifications along with an interim stay on the implementation of the regulations.
The regulatory body’s council submitted that the matter was already raised before the Supreme Court. Moreover, now TRAI itself has given additional one month for smooth transition allowing consumers to choose the plan till 31 January.
The objections were first raised by a social activist after the first communication on 19 November, as submitted by the petitioner association. It claimed that TRAI, without considering the objections, passed the second release specifying the deadline.
Under the new regime consumers have to choose channels and local cable operators will have to collect the required fees. The petition claimed this arrangement unworkable. It also claimed it would curtail the right of consumers to see all channels.
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.
