High Court
Mumbai HC rules post 1 Jan subscription rate hikes unenforceable
MUMBAI: A two-judge bench of the Mumbai High Court today delivered a ruling that that has major implications on the subscription pricing mechanism instituted by broadcasters ahead of the CAS rollout.
The order, delivered this morning after hearing a public interest litigation filed by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya last month, says that in individual cases of non payment at the old subscription rates of any MSO or cable operator existing as of 31 December 2002, a cable operator will be entitled to disconnect the subscriber.
However, the order clearly states this will not be applicable in the case of subscription rates which have come into effect after 1 January 2003. Ergo, if consumers refuse to pay at the new rates, they cannot be disconnected, the judges ruled.
Ironically, the ruling spells bad news for Somaiya, who must have been hoping to win cache with middle class citizens with an eye on forthcoming elections, in his demand that subscription rates be capped at a maximum of Rs 150.
But worst hit will be the pay-driven broadcasters, all of whom have announced new rate subscription rate cards effective 1 January. Subscribers now need to pay only at the old rate, with all the new pricing now standing nullified.
Stay clued into indiantelevision.com for a detailed report that follows.
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Somaiya files PIL; Congress shoots of letter to governor
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.
