Shashwati Chowdhury
Published on: August 26, 2022 at 17:18 IST
The Delhi High Court has restrained certain rogue websites from streaming and broadcasting cricket matches or events related to the Asia Cup 2022, which is scheduled to begin on August 27 and run through September 11 of that year.
A lawsuit filed by Star India Pvt. Ltd. and Novi Digital Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. seeking an injunction to stop the unauthorised and illegal dissemination of the Asia Cup Cricket matches and related content by the rogue websites was being heard by Justice Pratibha M. Singh.
The plaintiffs claimed that they were entitled to certain rights with regard to sporting events organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council, including those involving cricket, football, Formula 1, Badminton, tennis, hockey, and domestic and international cricket matches (ICC).
The plaintiffs expressed severe concern that, given the actions of these rogue websites in the past, they may stream and telecast the Asia Cup Cricket matches unlawfully.
The Court stated that it was of the opinion that the websites were not only indulging in streaming Star Sports channels but also a number of other reputable channels, noting that there was no question about who owned the rights for exclusive telecast and broadcast as well as online streaming in favour of the Plaintiffs.
“Moreover, the broadcasting is not limited to cricket matches, but also other sporting events, such as the Tour De France’, and the ‘NRL Rugby League. Therefore, the Court is convinced that the said websites belonging to Defendant Nos. 1-11, are rogue websites, primarily consisting of pirated content, the Court observed.
The Court additionally opined that if the Plaintiffs find other mirror or rogue websites broadcasting and telecasting the sporting events during these events covered by their agreements, they may file an affidavit in this regard before the Court together with supporting evidence.
On November 9, the matter will now be heard.