In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has issued an injunction order aimed at ensuring the real-time blocking of websites that may attempt to illegally stream cricket matches as part of the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This move comes in response to a plea filed by Star India Private Limited & Anr against platforms like Jiolive.tv & Ors, which sought to protect its exclusive global media rights for this highly anticipated sporting event.
The Significance of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is an event of immense global significance, with cricket enthusiasts across the Indian subcontinent and around the world eagerly anticipating the matches. With the potential for millions of viewers, protecting the rights and revenue associated with broadcasting these matches has become paramount.
Star India’s Exclusive Rights
Star India, as the exclusive holder of global media rights for the ICC World Cup 2023, recognized the need to take swift action to safeguard its interests. In a proactive move, the company approached the Delhi High Court to secure an injunction to prevent any unauthorized broadcast of the cricket matches.
Real-Time Blocking: A Crucial Measure
One of the key elements of Star India’s plea was the request for real-time blocking of websites that engaged in illegal streaming while the matches were in progress. This request was rooted in the understanding that the delay in blocking such rogue websites could result in significant financial losses for Star India and its affiliated online platforms, including Hotstar.
Justice Prathiba M Singh’s Ruling
Justice Prathiba M Singh, presiding over the case, recognized the urgency of the matter, particularly in light of the fact that the ICC World Cup matches are one-day international events with a vast viewership. In her ruling, she underscored the importance of granting relief in such cases to prevent any potential harm to the rights holders.
Preventing Copyright Infringement
Justice Singh’s decision was driven by the realization that these rogue websites were highly likely to continue disseminating copyrighted content, in the form of live broadcasts of cricket matches, during the World Cup 2023. The court acknowledged that these matches were integral to the events governed by the ICC’s licensed rights, which had been exclusively granted to Star India.
Comprehensive Injunction
To address these concerns effectively, the Delhi High Court issued a comprehensive injunction order. This order not only restrained nine platforms from broadcasting any part of the ICC World Cup Cricket matches on any electronic or digital platform but also mandated various Domain Name Registrars (DNRs) to promptly lock and suspend such infringing websites within 72 hours.
Internet Service Providers’ Role
Additionally, the court directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to these rogue websites. This multifaceted approach was designed to ensure that the illegal streaming of matches was curtailed promptly and comprehensively.
Swift Action Against New Offenders
Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of the internet, the court also empowered Star India to communicate the details of any newly discovered websites engaged in illegal streaming to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). These authorities were ordered to issue immediate blocking orders to prevent further copyright infringement.
Protecting Non-Infringing Websites
To maintain a balanced approach, the court clarified that if any website, which was not primarily involved in infringing activities, found itself inadvertently blocked, it had the opportunity to approach the court. Such websites could provide an undertaking that they did not intend to engage in any illegal dissemination of the ICC World Cup matches. In such cases, the court would consider modifying the injunction accordingly.
Legal Representation
Throughout this significant legal battle, advocates Sidharth Chopra, Sneha Jain, Yatinder Garg, Raunak Das Sharma, and Rimjhim Tiwari adeptly represented the plaintiffs, including Star India. On the opposing side, Central Government Standing Counsel Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, along with advocates Srish Kumar Mishra, Sagar Mehlawat, and Alexander Mathai Paikaday, represented the interests of the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and MEITY.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s injunction order marks a significant step in protecting the exclusive broadcasting rights of Star India for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This decisive legal action demonstrates the court’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights and preventing unauthorized streaming of valuable content. As cricket fans eagerly await the World Cup matches, they can do so with the assurance that measures are in place to protect the integrity of the event.
