The Delhi High Court in the case Star India Pvt Ltd And Anr. v. Yodesiserial. Su And Ors in the case observed and has permanently restrained the 50 rogue websites from illegally streaming various television shows, TV series and movies broadcasted on OTT platform Disney plus Hot star.
The bench of Justice C Hari Shankar in the case observed and has stated that prima facie, the exclusive rights to stream or telecast the content contained in the 26 shows and the films vests in the platform and not the others.
In the present case, the court was hearing the suit moved by the Star India Private Limited and Disney Plus Hot star against the rogue websites wherein it is alleged that they were being engaged in the piracy of the copyrighted content of them.
The court stated that the 26 shows and the films are Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlaata Hai, Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Meiin, Anupamaa, Yeh Hai Chahatein, Imlie, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, Pandya Store, Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali, Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana, the Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, Ek Hazaroon Mein Meri Behna Hai, Lakshmi Ghar Aayi, Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2, RadhaKrishn – Punar Milan, City of Dreams i.e., 2 Seasons, Grahan, November Story, Ok Computer, 1232 Kms, the Live Telecast, Triples, Hundred, Special Ops, Roar of the Lion and 1962: the War in the Hills.
The court in the case observed in August 21 and has passed an ad interim injunction order against the rogue websites. However, none of the defendants were represented through a counsel in the said proceedings.
The bench of Justice Shankar stated that it is but natural that the defendants being the rouge entities, who in the case are only involved in the business of unauthorised broadcasting of the television shows, films and the web series in which others hold copyright, have chosen not to appear before the court.
It has also been stated by the said court that in several matters where such rouge websites surface, that they do not turn up to contest the suit. Therefore, the court stated that this prevailing philosophy appears to be to make hay while the sun shines.
The counsel, Advocate Angad S. Makkar and Advocate Yatinder Garg appeared for the plaintiffs. The counsel, Advocate Apoorv Kurup, Advocate Kirtedhadicha and Advocate Shivansh represented the defendants.