High Court
Madras HC dismisses Marans’ plea; I&B asks MHA to clarify on security nod denial
NEW DELHI: The Madras High Court has dismissed petitions by Sun TV and Kal Comm Pvt. Ltd. seeking stay on the attachment of its assets by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with Aircel-Maxis case.
Justice M. Sathyanarayanan said the Supreme Court was monitoring the case and the High Court was not inclined to entertain the petitions.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that in reply to a letter from the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry seeking clarifications on rejection of security clearance to Sun TV, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reiterated its position. The I&B Ministry is understood to have highlighted the issue relating to freedom of the media.
That apart, the I&B Ministry may be writing again, pointing to the Madras High Court order of September last year, which had commented strongly against the Ministry for cancelling the multi system operator (MSO) license to Sun TV Network’s subsidiary Kal Cables. The observation had come in a case relating to denial of security clearance as the Maran brothers were facing criminal cases.
As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, the refusal to grant a license could result in the closure of 33 channels of the group, FM channels and print outlets.
During the hearing of the case today, the senior counsel appearing for the petitioner contended that the properties were acquired much before the investigating agencies commenced their probe into the Aircel-Maxis case and questioned why properties of other firms accused in the case have not been attached.
Additional Solicitor General G. Rajagopalan contended that the Supreme Court was monitoring the developments in the case and had also observed that any other court hearing the matter would impede the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED.
Following the attachment of two of its properties by the ED on 31 March, Sun TV and Kal Comm Pvt. Ltd. moved the Madras High Court seeking to quash the order. The ED had earlier questioned the maintainability of the petitions in view of the Supreme Court’s directions in the case.
The Supreme Court in a blanket order of 10 February, 2011 and 11 April, 2011 restricted any court from entertaining petitions in the matter.
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.
