High Court
Odhisa HC recognises Ortel’s representation on DAS Phase III; urges MIB to give it two months
MUMBAI: Is another state joining the ranks of those who have asked for – and have been given – time to be able to implement digitisation in Digital Addressable System (DAS) Phase III areas? If initial indications are to be believed, the answer is yes. According to our sources, the Odhisa High Court has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to act on the representation given by Last Mile Owner (LMO) Ortel Communications.
The LMO had presented various teething issues relating to digitisation, which were leading to delays in meeting the deadline date in Phase III areas, to the MIB. But the ministry, apparently ignored Ortel’s representations. Following which the company approached the Odhisa High Court.
“We are totally in favor of digitisation and are always ready to support it in every possible way. Our petition is not against DAS; our concern is the unavailability of various important aspects, which is proving to be a handicap for us,” asserts a senior company official.
Shortage of set top boxes (STBs) was the main concern in the submitted representation, which also had consumer resistance and capital crisis in it, among others.
“The court recognised the STB drought and has directed the MIB to address the issue in two months’ time. Meanwhile, the court has also directed that no action should to be taken against Ortel before the representation is addressed,” a source present in the court tells Indiantelevision.com.
“This direction of the court is for Ortel communications and its operations, and not an overall Odhisa statement,” clarified the source in the court.
But given the strong hold Ortel has over Odhisa as the main provider of cable TV there, it probably means an extension of the digitisation deadline in the state, say industry sources.
Also read: DAS Phase III stayed in 5 states including Maharashtra
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.
