High Court
Madras HC stays encashment of Suryan FM’s bank guarantee
NEW DELHI: The Madras high court has stayed encashment of Suryan FM’s bank guarantee by the government, till a final decision is taken on various issues related to FM radio as per recommendations of the broadcast and cable regulator.
The high court, while granting an interim stay, observed that since the matter of licence fee is pending with the central government for a final decision, an interim stay is granted barring the government from encashing the bank guarantee in case Suryan FM did not pay the fee, according to an United news of India report from Chennai.
The licence of the Sun TV-run FM radio station, along with others, became payable on 30 April.
However, a similar plea of Radio Mirchi was not entertained by Mumbai high court recently, while another one filed by Radio Mid-day is pending a hearing at the same court.
The central government is unable to take a decision on deferment of the licence fee till a final view is taken on the issue, as recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, out of fear of attracting censure from the election regulator that is overseeing the conduct of on-going elections for the Lower House of Parliament.
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.
