High Court
No interim court order on telecast issue
NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court today refused to pass any interim order in a case filed by Zee Telefilms against the Indian cricket board.
The case, filed last week, came up for hearing today where the judge refused to give any interim relief to any of the parties, setting the next date of hearing on 31 August.
Responding to Zee Telefilms’ petition seeking the quashing of Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI)’s ‘invitation to tender’ (ITT) for telecast and broadcast rights for the next four years, the court had issued notices to the central government and the BCCI.
Today’s developments could mean that the cricket board can accept the bids by interested parties for domestic cricket rights. The last date for submission of bid is 26 August and, according to information available, no broadcaster has yet submitted any quotes preferring to wait and watch the legal developments.
In its petition, Zee has alleged that the eligibility conditions were framed by the BCCI to oust bidders from India.
According to ZTL counsel Pratibha M Singh, the present set of eligibility conditions for ITT was framed by the BCCI in such a manner so as to try to “exclude” the petitioner and/or other Indian television channels and favour ESPN Star Sports.
BCCI had released tenders for the telecast of 120-130 days of cricket between October 2005 to September 2009 last week. The TV tender document contains a three-year experience clause, which effectively rules out Zee from making a bid.
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.
