High Court
Sony moves Delhi High Court against Trai
MUMBAI: Sony Discovery has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (Trai) jurisdiction over contractual matters. This follows Trai’s directive to Sony Discovery to restore signals to a defaulting cable operator without proper notice.
“We filed a writ petition in the High Court today. We want to protect our Consitutional right to collect contractual dues,” says SET Discovery president Shantanu Aditya.
On 12 January Trai had directed SET Discovery to take immediate steps for restoration of signals to Allahabad-based Three Star Communication. Sony Discovery, the joint venture company which distributes a bouquet of television channels, had switched off signals to the cable network on 14 December 2004.
According to Trai, this was against the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection Regulation, 2004, issued on 10 December. Broadcasters are required to issue one month notice before disconnection of signals in case of cable operators defaulting payments. The regulator had asked Sony Discovery to scrupulously comply with the requirements of the regulation.
Sony’s contention is that Three Star Communication was a chronic defaulter since January 2004 and owed dues worth Rs 0.42 million. “We switched them off after giving them appropriate notice,” says Aditya.
But isn’t Sony required to issue a month’s notice after the regulation came into existence? “We had served them notices earlier and they had made commitments which they haven’t honoured,” says Aditya.
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.
